A slow start by Iowa State’s offense led to a 2-0 loss to No. 24 Texas Tech on Sunday, giving the Cyclones their third loss in the Big 12 Conference.
Iowa State begins its road trip against the Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas. The Cyclones came into the game with high hopes after their shutout game against Cincinnati last time out, but got off to a bad start as they lacked opportunities to score offensively.
Texas Tech’s controlled offense was able to keep possession of the ball throughout the game, causing Iowa State to rely heavily on its defensive skills, which had a huge impact on the game. Both teams battled back and forth, but were unable to score and the first period ended 0-0.
Despite entering the second half with a more aggressive defense, the Cyclones still lacked the offensive structure to score points. The Red Raiders were able to weaken Iowa State’s aggressive defense, securing two goals in the second half and ending the game with a 2-0 loss.
Iowa State goalie holds up despite slow Cyclones offense
The Cyclones’ defense was able to keep up with the Texas Tech offense, but Iowa State goaltender Avery Gillahan continued to hold his own in the face of pressure from the Red Raiders’ offense.
Texas Tech had 21 total shots, eight of which were on goal, compared to Iowa State’s two, and Gillahan defended the goal. Gillahan continued to battle against the Red Raiders, finishing the night with six saves on goal.
Due to a long battle at the net, Gillahan was unable to prevent two second-period goals by Texas Tech junior defender Macy Blackburn and senior forward Ashley Williams.
Penalty kick leads to Iowa State collapse
The Red Raiders had previously scored the first goal of the match by Blackburn during the second period. This gave the Cyclones the momentum to step up their defense and pick up eight fouls in the process.
In the 66th minute of the second period, Iowa State junior defender Isabella Agrusso stole the ball in a direct confrontation with Texas Tech senior forward Caitlin Giametta, earning her the first and only yellow card of the game.
The yellow card earned the Red Raiders a penalty kick, and Williams scored his fifth goal of the season, effectively ending the game at 2-0.
The Cyclones continue their away week against Oklahoma State on Thursday in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
