AMES — The Cyclones defenders played a significant role in securing a 0-0 draw against the Kansas State Wildcats on Sunday, as they let their aggressive front lead the game.
Coming in strong in the first half, redshirt sophomore Ella Zimmerman was a lead defender as she started the game with aggression.
Zimmerman was able to slide tackle multiple times throughout the first half and gain possession of the ball which led Iowa State to have strong offensive plays.
Her quick attack skills played a big role in the game’s defense as she gave the Cyclones possession to maintain a total of seven shots on goal during the first half.
“[Zimmerman] is someone who has been incredible for us this season and knowing that we only have her for about two-thirds of the game made it a little bit more difficult,” head coach Matt Fannon said.
Along with Zimmerman, junior defender Adelaide Wolfe contributed to the attacks against Kansas State’s defense as she played all 90 minutes.
Although well-controlled in her tactics, Wolfe led in pressurized situations and forced the Wildcats to lose possession of the ball. Wolfe’s aggressive demeanor earned her a yellow card in the first half, but she didn’t let that throw her off her game.
“Our goal was to just keep attacking as much as possible,” Zimmerman said. “I know we were trying to do that the whole game, but when it comes down to the last few minutes, really putting the pressure on the team is our goal.”
Iowa State maintained a strong defensive position in the first half, which helped to sustain momentum in the second half.
Entering the second half, Zimmerman came back out even stronger and made a save on an attempted shot on goal by Kansas State forward Ryann Reynolds. As goalkeeper Avery Gillahan loosely missed the ball, it gave Zimmerman a strong opening to kick the ball out of the box before counting as a point.
“It bounced right in front of me and I knew I was on the line,” Zimmerman said. “My goal was to just get it out as quickly as possible without it going in the back.”
Junior defender Isabella Agrusso provided the team with a strong effort of tackling as her aggressive front led the Wildcats to lack possession of the ball in the second half.
Agrusso’s quick movements and controlled defense led many Kansas State players to force their non-dominant foot which gave her the ability to quickly maneuver the ball into the Cyclones possession.
“Every game is a dog fight in the Big 12,” senior midfielder Yira Yoggerst said. “I think that we picked up the fight in the first half and did better in the second half.”
Although the strong defensive front led the team, the offensive side lacked sustainability as both teams were unable to score, leading the Cyclones to their fourth draw of the season.
“We felt like we could have won the game,” Fannon said. “So that’s a good place to be, in terms of where our confidence is as a team and our expectations. I think it shows that we are clearly moving in the right direction.”
