Iowa State fell to the eighth-ranked Memphis Tigers in a 4-2 offensive battle. The Cyclones fall to 2-2-1 ahead of Big 12 conference play after making headlines with their best start since 2019. The loss marks Iowa State’s fifth consecutive loss against the Tigers dating back to 2018. 

Memphis got the ball rolling early, kicking the game off with two goals in the first twenty minutes. Goals scored by sophomore Anna Hauer and senior Momo Nakao gave the Tigers an early two-goal lead. A goal by Ashley Henderson extended Memphis’ lead further.

Indiana State transfer Adelaide Wolfe scored the first goal of the matchup for Iowa State in the eighteenth minute of the first half, putting the Cyclones on the board. Junior forward Magdalena Keck cut the Tigers’ lead to one in the fifty-fifth minute. Keck’s goal was her third of the season, tying senior forward Morgan Furmaniak for the lead amongst the Iowa State players this season.

Cyclone goalkeeper Avery Gillahan was credited with four saves, preventing Memphis from extending its lead. A costly missed opportunity gave the Tigers their fourth goal of the game, credited to Henderson.

Iowa State was out-shot 18-6, seeing only two shots on goal. Senior midfielder Hannah Shaw was substituted out of the game in the seventieth minute due to injury. 

The Cyclones will be back in action on Sep. 5 in Ames as they take on the Michigan Wolverines. Iowa State looks to avenge its loss with another non-conference win in the coming days.