Iowa State Falls to Drake 2-1

DES MOINES, Iowa - Two first-half goals by Kristin Underwood proved to be the difference as Drake topped Iowa State 2-1 in the first-ever women's soccer contest between the two in-state rivals. The Cyclones took a break from Big 12 action to play their only non-conference game in October. Drake improves to 7-5 with their second consecutive victory while Iowa State falls to 3-5-3.

Drake converted on a scoring opportunity in the sixth minute when Melissa Nelson sent a cross into the box that was played by Andrea Schmitz. Underwood gathered the loose ball in front of the net and knocked it in. Later in the half, Underwood headed in Cindi Brenner's corner kick, Drake's only corner of the first half.

"We didn't play to the level we are capable of," Iowa State head coach Rebecca Hornbacher said. "We knew Drake was a good team and that we were going to have to battle."

ISU came out on the attack in the second half and outshot Drake 8-5. In the 88th minute, sophomore Deb Benakis broke away and was fouled in the penalty area. Benakis converted Iowa State's first penalty kick of the season to cut Drake's lead in half. The goal was her second of the season. A Drake foul in the final minute gave the Cyclones one last chance to tie, but ISU could not get a shot off.

Iowa State finished with a 16-12 advantage in shots and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks. Kate Kirwan led ISU with four shots and freshman Christine Beatty added a career-high three shots. Underwood took four shots for the Bulldogs, and Drake goalkeeper Kate Stack recorded eight saves.

Iowa State returns to Big 12 play, hosting Kansas Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Christine Beatty

Deb Benakis

Deb Benakis

Kate Kirwan

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Iowa State University Athletics