Iowa State’s slow offensive start led to a 2-0 defeat against No. 24 Texas Tech Sunday, marking the Cyclones’ third loss in the Big 12 Conference.
Iowa State started its week of away trips facing the Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas. Although coming in with high hopes after their previous shutout game against Cincinnati, the Cyclones started the matchup on the wrong foot as they lacked the offensive opportunity to make goals.
Texas Tech’s controlled offense played a big factor in the game, as they were able to maintain possession of the ball throughout the matchup, leading Iowa State to rely heavily on its defensive skills. The two teams battled back and forth but were unable to put points on the board ending the first period 0-0.
Coming into the second half with a more aggressive defensive front, the Cyclones still lacked the offensive structure to score. The Red Raiders were able to undermine Iowa State’s aggressive defense as they secured two goals in the second half ending the matchup in a 2-0 loss.
Iowa State’s goalkeeper holds her own despite Cyclones slow offense
Although the Cyclones’ defense was able to keep up with Texas Tech’s offense, Iowa State goalkeeper Avery Gillahan held up her own when faced with pressure from the Red Raiders offense.
Gillahan protected the goal as Texas Tech had a combined total of 21 shots, eight of which were on goal, compared to Iowa State’s two. Gillahan continued the fight against the Red Raiders and ended the night with six saves on goal.
Due to the long fight put up on the net, Gillahan was unable to save the two goals in the second period by Texas Tech junior defender Macy Blackburn and senior forward Ashleigh Williams.
Penalty kick leads to Iowa State’s demise
The Red Raiders previously earned their first goal of the matchup during the second period by Blackburn. This gave the Cyclones momentum as they strengthened their defense, earning eight fouls in the process.
In the 66th minute of the second period, Iowa State junior defender Isabella Agrusso earned the match’s first and only yellow card as she took on Texas Tech senior forward Kaitlyn Giametta in a head-to-head match to gain possession of the ball.
The yellow card led to the Red Raiders earning a penalty kick that was taken from Williams, who scored her fifth goal of the season and effectively ended the game 2-0.
The Cyclones will continue their away week as they go to Stillwater, Oklahoma, Thursday to take on Oklahoma State.
