AMES – In their final home game of the season, the Cyclones tied 1-1 versus Arizona State on Sunday. The draw snapped a six-game losing streak by Iowa State, putting its record at 4-7-3 on the year, with the Sun Devils sitting at 9-4-3.
For much of the game, it was shaping up to be a scoreless affair, but an Arizona State goal in the middle of the second half looked to be the game-sealing win.
The Cyclones had other plans, though. Senior forward Taylor Spitzer booted a huge goal to tie the game at 1-1 in the 85th minute, a testament to the fighting spirit this Iowa State team has shown the whole season.
Cyclones use windy conditions in their favor
The first half was devoid of any goals, but there were moments where Iowa State almost broke through, evidenced by the first-half stats.
Iowa State led in shots with nine and shots on goal and corner kicks with three. The wind at the Cyclones’ backs definitely helped, and they used this advantage as much as they could.
“You’ve got a lot more options in how you want to play when you got the wind at your back,” Iowa State Head Coach Matt Fannon said.
The Cyclones did much of this while only holding possession 42% of the time. Junior midfielder Lucy Froitzheim led the half in shots with three, with freshman forward Megan Walters just behind with two shots.
The defense played a crucial role in keeping it nil-nil, too. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Kasey Cannistraro notched two saves. Redshirt senior defender Chloe Broughton and redshirt junior defender Ella Zimmerman anchored the back line, deterring Arizona State’s attacks.
Arizona State breaks the tie
It took till the 68th minute to put the first points on the board. Junior defender Lucy Fazackerley nailed a header goal from a corner kick assist by freshman midfielder/defender Addison Baltodano.
The scoring chance was created off miscues by Iowa State. This can open the door to more goals against opponents like the Sun Devils.
“It was four mistakes in a row,” Fannon said. “And that’s kind of the issue when you play at this level. You might not get punished with one [mistake], you have four in a row and you’re going to concede.”
Iowa State remained calm, determined to right the wrongs that led to them being down.
“I think considering the run, it would have been really easy for us to roll over in that moment,” Fannon said. “And it just shows you the character and the belief of how much they really want to get after it every single game.”
Late goal evens the score
Spitzer hit a huge goal in the 85th minute, tying the Cyclones again with Arizona State. Spitzer’s late-game goal was her third of the season and could not have come in a bigger moment.
“It feels pretty good,” Spitzer said. “And also just to do it the last time at home is special.”
Assisting the goal was senior defender Isabella Agrusso, who is no stranger to the big moment, having hit a game-winning goal versus Creighton earlier this season.
“We’re trying to stay in it and we don’t give up,” Agrusso said. “No matter if it’s we’re tied or we’re down one, we know we can still stay in the game.”
The late goal showed the fight and drive of Iowa State, not willing to give up till the final whistle. No matter who scores, it’s a team win at the end of the day.
“We’ve had Taylor [Spitzer], we’ve had Lucy [Froitzheim], we’ve had a bunch of late, really late goals,” Agrusso said. “And I think we’re just really dedicated and committed to finishing out the game strong, no matter what.”
