Iowa State soccer was no match for No. 7 TCU, losing 3-1 on the road Sunday afternoon. The loss is the fourth in a row for the Cyclones; their record sits at 4-5-2. The Horned Frogs continued their dominance, moving to 10-2 on the season.
This was the 15th match all-time between Iowa State and TCU. The Horned Frogs notched another win to their series lead; the record is 10-2-3. The last Cyclone victory versus TCU was a 1-0 home win in 2014.
The Horned Frogs dominate the first half
TCU’s first two goals were scored in rapid succession. The first goal came in the middle of the seventh minute. Scored by senior forward AJ Hennessey, her third goal of the season was assisted by freshman midfielder/forward Kamdyn Fuller.
The second score came a minute later. Sophomore defender Cameron Patton netted it; she was assisted by Hennessey and senior defender Quinn Cornog. It was Patton’s second goal of the season.
After those two quick goals, the Horned Frogs’ offense remained patient, waiting for the perfect moment to score again. Then, in the 31st minute, senior forward Seven Castain added the third goal for TCU. Castain was assisted by sophomore midfielder/forward Kaela Martinez.
The Horned Frogs ran circles around the Cyclones the entire first half. TCU led in shots, nine to one, and shots on goal, four to zero, entering halftime.
Goalkeeper change prevents TCU from adding to its lead
To start the second half, Iowa State made a substitution at goalkeeper. Redshirt senior Musuai Isaia replaced redshirt sophomore Kasey Cannistraro between the posts.
The Washington State transfer showed poise versus a top-ranked opponent despite having limited playing time so far this season.
Isaia earned two saves. One came early in the second half during the 52nd minute and the second save occurred in the 73rd minute.
Isaia’s defense kept the Cyclones competitive versus the Horned Frogs.
Cyclones avoid shutout
TCU held its lead from the first into the second half. They controlled the pace of play and kept finding ways to put pressure on the goal.
However, Iowa State kept fighting. They stayed patient and waited for a scoring chance.
That opportunity presented itself late in the second half, and freshman forward Sophie Forrester took advantage.
Forrester scored in the 70th minute. Her goal was assisted by senior forward Ella Ciardullo. It was Forrester’s second goal of the season.
The goal was a sign of life for the Cyclones’ offense. They had gone scoreless in their previous two matches versus Texas Tech on Sept. 28 and No. 20 Baylor on Thursday.
Scoring against a talented TCU team could be an important morale booster for the offense.
With the conclusion of Iowa State’s road trip in Texas, they come back home to play Kansas at 6 p.m. Friday at the Cyclones Sports Complex.
