FARGO, N.D.-The Iowa State soccer team (4-2-0) recorded its first shutout of the season with a 1-0 victory over North Dakota State (4-1-0) Sunday in Fargo, N.D. The Cyclones outshot the Bison 18-2 in the contest handing NDSU their first loss of the season.
Turning Point of the Game:With the game tied at 0-0 in the 82nd minute, Iowa State needed someone to take over. Koree Willer answered the call, firing a rocket into the top right corner of the Bison goal giving the Cyclones the 1-0 advantage and game-winning goal. Iowa State had numerous looks at the North Dakota State goal, but was unable to convert in a windy day in Fargo, N.D.
Cyclone Game Ball Goes To…The Cyclone Defense. Iowa State was able to get a number of good looks, with Willer converting one late for a goal.But the key to victory in this game was the Iowa State defense shutting down any offense that North Dakota State could offer. Iowa State only allowed the Bison to attempt two shots in the entire contest. The ball rarely passed midfield and when it did the Cyclone back line took care of business.
Coach Said it:“It was tough coming off Friday's game,” head coach
Tony Minatta said. "There was a lot of emotion on Friday night getting a big win like that. This is a tough team and tough place to play. They are very organized and they defend very hard. We controlled the game obviously, we had 11 shots to their zero at half. We ended the game 18 shots to two shots. We just didn't have the same sense of urgency in front of the goal that we had Friday night or in other games. At the end of the day we grinded it out and got the win. We're going home with a 2-0 weekend and it's our first shutout of the season. I'm proud of our team.”
Game Notes* Iowa State outshot the Bison 18-2.
* The game marked the first shutout of the season and of the Coach Minatta era.
* Senior goalkeeper
Andrea Swanson recorded two saves. She now has 177 saves in her career.
Fan Tweet of the Game:
On Deck:
Iowa State will travel to the state of Colorado next week for a two game road swing against Northern Colorado and Denver. The Cyclones take on Northern Colorado on Friday at 8 p.m. before traveling to Denver to take on the University of Denver on Sunday at noon.