Iowa State won its first Big 12 Conference opener since 2016 with a 1-0 win against Kansas on Thursday.
The Cyclones faced the Jayhawks for the 31st time Thursday, ending their previous 2023 match in a win. This match now marks a two-game winning streak for Iowa State against Kansas, with both games ending in a 1-0 shutout.
The Cyclones entered the game being led by seniors Magdalena Keck and Morgan Furmaniak, who both hold a minimum of eight points. Furmaniak held the highest number of goals this season with four.
Iowa State’s slow tempo throws Kansas off-balance
Kansas is well known for its strong starts and maintaining control of the ball in the first 15 minutes. However, Iowa State used a low-pressure defensive skill tactic to throw the Jayhawks in for a loop throughout the game.
The change of speed while sitting back and waiting for Kansas to attack led the Cyclones to stay tight and create a space where the Jayhawks could not make a move.
This tactic worked in Iowa State’s favor as Kansas got visibly frustrated and ended the first period with two unattainable shots at goal and 12 fouls.
Cyclones prepared for Jayhawks shots
Kansas has a previous history of outshooting Iowa State, and this game was no different. The Jayhawks ended the game with a total of eight shots on goal compared to Iowa State’s four.
Although Kansas had the skill to make numerous shots, Cyclones goalkeeper Avery Gillahan was very aggressive in the net, stopping all of their clear-cut shots. Gillahan ended the game with a total of four saves.
This game marks Gillahan’s second game against the Jayhawks. In the 2023 matchup, Gillahan held her own and ended the game with a total of eight saves to Kansas’ nine attempted shots.
Thomas nails the game-winner for Iowa State
With the game almost ending in a draw, Iowa State midfielder Sophia Thomas took control and put the Cyclones on the board in the last six minutes of the game, sealing Iowa State’s first conference win of the season.
Thomas’ goal counts as her second goal of the season, with her first being in the 2-2 tie against Michigan.
Thomas now holds her second win against Kansas with Iowa State. The 2023 game ended in a shutout when Thomas made her first goal of the season in the 55th minute, securing the win.
Iowa State will be back at home for the Cy-Hawk showdown at 1 p.m. Sunday from the Cyclones Sports Complex.
