Iowa State soccer lost another close game at the hands of the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, with a slow start and inability to create scoring chances hurting the Cyclones.

Starting off slow

The first half started out with no pace from either side. The Jayhawks and Cyclones mostly battled for possession, and it was only late in the first half for any real attacks. 

Kansas outshot Iowa State 4-to-1 in the first half, and apart from sophomore Dayja Schwichtenberg’s great save 11 minutes into the game, there was virtually nothing for either team. Late in the first, the Jayhawks were able to pressure Iowa State a bit, but Iowa State‘s defenders did a good job of clearing and keeping the ball away from Schwichtenberg’s goal.

It was 0-0 at halftime and the Cyclones would need to adjust their offensive gameplay if they wanted to score in this one.

Second half breakdown

The second half is where the Cyclones really need to improve. Iowa State allowed 13 shots in the second half and the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute. Iowa State had three shots, but it was a more offensively-minded half of soccer. This has become a trend for the Cyclones during conference play.

The Cyclones had trouble keeping the shots off the goal for the entire game. The Cyclones defense did a great job in the first half as they snuffed out almost every Jayhawk attack, but in the second half they seemed to be tired, and with it came the only goal of the game.

Short weekend

Iowa State has been playing shorthanded all season. This was the first time all season that the Cyclones played one game instead of two in a weekend. 

They get to travel home now and recover, as they aren’t on the road again until Oct. 19. There are only six games left before the Big 12 tournament.

Another weekend gets them closer to regaining their full strength team again. Senior captain Riley Behan is trying to get back on the field as well as junior Hannah Cade, who has been out for a few games now.