Unbeaten Iowa State Downs No. 23 Washington 2-0

STATS | HIGHLIGHTS

MADISON, Wis. - The Iowa State soccer team dispatched the first nationally ranked opponent it faced this season with a 2-0 victory over No. 23 Washington Sunday afternoon on the University of Wisconsin campus. The Huskies are coming off a 2010 campaign where they advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Championship. Furthermore, the Cyclones continued their record-setting defense this season, notching their fourth shutout in as many matches. Dating back to last season, Iowa State has shutout its last six opponents, a program record.

After a scoreless first half, sophomore Meredith Skitt scored a long-range effort at the 59:10 mark to give the Cyclones the 1-0 advantage. Sophomore Emily Goldstein provided the assist for the Iowa State opener.

"Meredith hit a one-time shot from outside the corner of the box after a great switch from Emily Goldstein," Iowa State head coach Wendy Dillinger said. "The shot went over their goalie's head. It was a really nice goal and one that we deserved."

Less than 10 minutes after Skitt's goal, sophomore Brittany Morgan doubled the Iowa State margin 67:01 into the match. Sophomores Jennifer Dominguez and Margaret Powers both were credited with assists on Morgan's tally.

"The second goal was really a team effort as a number of players were involved," Dillinger said. "Jennifer Dominguez worked really hard to not let a ball go out of bounds. Margaret Powers then passed it into the box in a dangerous position and Hayley Womack let the ball go past her, knowing Brittany Morgan was open behind her. Britt then smashed the ball into the back of the net."

Iowa State's 3-0-1 record after four games matches the best start to a season in program history.

"Today we played really well right out of the gate," Dillinger said. "We battled and played physical. I really thought we did everything we needed to in order to beat a quality opponent. After playing well in the first half, we made some adjustments that made us more dangerous offensively in the second half. The team had a mature effort and is playing with a lot of confidence right now. After not coming out of the gate well Friday against Green Bay, we played much more motivated today from the start."

Sophomore Maddie Jobe went the full 90 minutes in goal for Iowa State and made five saves. Dating back to last season, the Eden Prairie, Minn., native has not allowed a goal in a staggering 550:31 minutes of play. Jobe has posted four shutouts this season.

"Our defense as a whole was very organized and compact," Dillinger said. "Our backline didn't allow Washington very many chances and just played really well. Maddie was solid and did great job of coming out a few times and clearing balls that Washington had sent over the top of our defense. She also held on to a shot where she had to dive to make the save. If she would have given up a rebound, Washington had a forward right there who would have scored."

After outshooting Washington (0-2-1) 7-3 in the first half, the Huskies would go on to finish the match with an 18-14 edge in shots. However, the Cyclones had six shots on goal to the Huskies' five.

Iowa State also won the corner-kick battle 7-5.

Dillinger was full of praise of Cyclones whose play does not necessarily show up in the box score.

"Our central midfield of Megan Long, Caitlin Graboski and Erin Green was exceptional all game," Dillinger said. "Caitlin and Megan were winning the ball and it allowed us to control the midfield. As a result of controlling the midfield, we had the majority of the possession today."

The Cyclones return to action Friday in a match against Milwaukee. The contest will be played in Minneapolis at 4:30 p.m. as a part of the Minnesota Invitational.

Next Event

Team Stats

Brittany Morgan

Meredith Skitt

Jennifer Dominguez

Margaret Powers

Players Mentioned

Jennifer Dominguez

Jennifer Dominguez

Emily Goldstein

Emily Goldstein

Caitlin Graboski

Caitlin Graboski

Erin Green

Erin Green

Maddie Jobe

Maddie Jobe

Brittany Morgan

Brittany Morgan

Margaret Powers

Margaret Powers

Meredith Skitt

Meredith Skitt

Hayley Womack

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics