Despite 12 saves from goalkeeper Eme McClenahan and holding the majority of possession, Iowa State suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Big 12 rival Kansas State Thursday night at the Cyclone Sports Complex.
The Cyclones (4-8-4, 0-6-2 Big 12) conceded the match’s only goal in the 24th minute when Kansas State forward Rilyn Rintoul converted an assist from substitute Adelle Francis at the 23:24 mark. Goalkeeper Maddie Sibbing recorded three saves across 90 minutes to preserve the clean sheet for the Wildcats (6-6-4, 1-6-1 Big 12).
McClenahan anchored a heavy defensive workload for Iowa State, stopping 12 of the 14 shots on target she faced while the Cyclones defense added a goal-line team save in the opening half. Kansas State outshot Iowa State 20-9 overall, launching 13 second-half shot attempts to keep the pressure on the Cyclones’ back line.
Iowa State controlled 53% of total possession and earned a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks, including owning 58% of possession during a competitive opening 45 minutes. Defender Breezie Brewer led Iowa State’s attacking efforts with four total shots.
Midfielder Lucy Froitzheim generated Iowa State’s best late scoring opportunity in the 88th minute, but her attempt on target was gathered by Sibbing. The physical conference matchup produced 17 total fouls—12 against Kansas State—and featured yellow cards to Iowa State defender Danica Lunceford in the 19th minute and midfielder Allison Charleston in the 72nd minute.
An announced crowd of 268 attended the contest, which lasted 1 hour and 57 minutes under referee Jorge Luna Hernandez.