Matt Fannon Head Coach | Iowa State University Athletics
Matt Fannon Head Coach | Iowa State University Athletics
Iowa State University’s women’s soccer team defeated the University of Northern Iowa 4-1 in Cedar Falls on Thursday, marking the first time since 1999 that the Cyclones have scored four goals in consecutive matches. The win closes out non-conference play for Iowa State, which now holds a 13-1-1 all-time record against UNI.
The Cyclones overcame an early deficit after UNI’s Olivia Knoepfle scored in the sixth minute. Iowa State entered halftime trailing 1-0, but responded with four unanswered goals in the second half. Ella Zimmerman led the effort with her first career brace, scoring twice within five minutes. "Zimmerman led the way for the Cyclones, taking and making two shots for a team-high four points on the day," according to the release.
Morgan Goodman added her second goal of the season and recorded her first assist, while Taylor Spitzer contributed her second goal in as many games. Sophie Forrester led Iowa State with four shots, and Kasey Cannistraro made three saves in goal.
UNI goalkeeper Kennedy Buntenbach registered five saves as Iowa State held a 12-8 advantage in shots. UNI had more corner kicks (5-4) and saves (5-3).
Describing how momentum shifted after halftime, "The Second period was an entirely different story, as the Cyclones came out of the break firing away." Zimmerman tied the match at 1-1 off a free kick in the 55th minute. Less than three minutes later, Spitzer put Iowa State ahead with a long-range shot. Zimmerman scored again shortly after on a header from Goodman’s corner kick to make it 3-1.
Goodman closed out scoring for Iowa State in the 85th minute following another free kick opportunity.
Iowa State returns to action at home next Thursday against Arizona to open Big 12 conference play. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Cyclone Soccer Complex and will be streamed live on ESPN+.