Iowa State Soccer Wins Home Opener

AMES, Iowa - The Iowa State soccer team topped Northern Iowa, 2-1, in its 2002 home opener Friday. The game was the second of the afternoon at the ISU Soccer Complex, as the Cyclone Classic takes place this weekend. In the opening game of the tournament, Arizona and Wisconsin both scored early in the game and went on to tie 1-1 in double overtime.

ISU's victory over Northern Iowa is the Cyclones' third consecutive win to open the season, the best start in school history. Iowa State is 2-0 all-time against the Panthers.

Scoring opportunities were abundant for the Cyclones. The team took 24 shots on the day, including 15 in the first half. The 24 attempts were the most by ISU since a 29-shot performance vs. Oklahoma State, Oct. 15, 2000. Seven of Iowa State's starters attempted at least one shot, and four players had three or more attempts.

Despite a 24-4 advantage in shots for tbe Cyclones, Northern Iowa kept the match close. Deb Benakis broke a scoreless tie late in the first half, giving ISU a 1-0 halftime lead. Northern Iowa evened the score early in the second half when Lindsay Davis connected on a penalty kick. Benakis tallied her second goal as a Cyclone at the 77-minute mark. UNI goalkeeper Anne-Marie Witko had a busy afternoon, recording nine saves.

"I've never had to give a pep talk after a win before," ISU coach Rebecca Hornbacher said. "The players' heads were down because they knew they didn't play at the level they were capable of. It shows a lot about the character of this team."

The Cyclone Classic concludes with a pair of games Sunday. Arizona battles UNI at 11 a.m., and Iowa State faces Wisconsin at 1 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Deb Benakis

Deb Benakis

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