Iowa State dropped its sixth loss of the season in a 3-1 contest against the BYU Cougars on Monday. This loss marks the third in the last five games and comes in the third match of Big 12 conference play.
Iowa State closes out first half on a strong note
Head coach Matt Fannon has preached physicality in the late minutes of conference matchups and Monday’s battle against BYU was no different.
The Cyclones set the tone early, holding the Cougars to only seven shots in the first half. Iowa State goalkeeper Avery Gillahan kept the matchup close, making three saves before the 45th minute of the matchup.
A goal by Iowa State senior midfielder Lauren McConnell set up a 1-1 tie at the end of the first half of play that created a strong wave of momentum that the Cyclones carried into the second half. The goal was McConnell’s first of the season and her third career goal with Iowa State.
Early chances were created throughout the second half as a result of the late momentum generated by the offensive attack that led to McConnell’s goal.
Strong physicality sets the tone for the match
Physicality is something that the Cyclones have been no stranger to this season, particularly in conference play.
The physical tone of the matchup was set early with a combined 14 fouls in the first half. Both teams combined for 33 fouls at the end of the second half and three yellow cards apiece.
Iowa State yellow cards went against defender Isabella Agrusso, defender Ella Zimmerman and McConnell. BYU had three of its own against defender Ella Rustand, forward Erin Bailey and midfielder Mackenzee Vance.
Cyclone defense goes on the backfoot, leads to demise
One thing is for sure, Gillahan had her hands full against a powerful Cougars attack. BYU broke the tie in the 68th minute of the matchup with a goal by defender Avery Frischknecht.
The Cougars’ attack exploited the Cyclones’ back line, resulting in the highest on-target shot-to-goal ratio of the season for Iowa State. Zimmerman made two crucial defensive plays that slowed BYU’s tempo.
An insurance goal was later added by Vance in the 74th minute on a free-kick attempt by the Cougars.
The Cyclones will look to avenge the loss in their next matchup against Kansas State. The matchup will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Cyclone Sports Complex and can be streamed on ESPN+.
