The Cyclones secured their first win of the season over the Creighton Bluejays in Omaha, Nebraska, 1-0 Thursday after a heroic goal in the 89th minute of play from senior defender Isabella Agrusso. 

With the victory, Iowa State marked its 200th win in program history. It advanced to 1-0-1 on the season with the victory, and Creighton fell to 1-2-0.

With under two minutes of play remaining, a failed corner attempt by Creighton led to an Iowa State run. Senior forward Ella Ciardullo perfectly placed a pass to Agrusso, who, from far outside the box, sailed the ball over the head of the hard-charging goaltender for a stunning goal. It was Agrusso’s first goal of the season.

How it happened

The first scoring chance for Iowa State came with a corner in the first minute. The attempt was unsuccessful, and both teams went on to attempt two corner kicks in the match, but failed to convert on any of them. 

The Bluejays outshot the Cyclones 15-9 and placed seven on net, compared to Iowa State’s five. The advantage in shots was not enough for the Bluejays to capitalize, as redshirt sophomore goaltender Kasey Cannistraro was phenomenal in the net. Cannistraro logged a career high of seven saves.

Cannistraro had a big save in the 48th minute. Brynn Gardner put the ball on net in a crowded box, and Cannistraro deflected the ball and dove on it for a crucial save.

Junior midfielder Regan John nearly put the Cyclones on the board with a shot in the 58th minute, but Alyssa Zalac of the Bluejays made an incredible glove save to keep the game scoreless.

Iowa State continued to play a physical brand of soccer, and logged 15 fouls, nearly matching Creighton’s 16. Redshirt junior defender Erin Hopewell was booked for her first yellow card of the season in the 77th minute.

As the match neared its close, a second consecutive draw for the Cyclones looked inevitable. Agrusso played hero with a goal from nearly midfield as Zalac charged the ball and left the goal open for a chip shot. It was a no-doubter, and the team began celebrating well before the ball had crossed the plane.

Following another minute and a half of strong defense, Iowa State successfully cleared the ball one final time to secure the win.

The Cyclones will return to Ames for a matchup with interstate rival Drake on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Cyclone Sports Complex.