Sooners Fall 2-1 To Visiting Iowa State

NORMAN, Okla. The University of Oklahoma soccer team returned home for the first time in five contests but was unsuccessful in extending its winning streak to three games, dropping a 2-1 decision to Iowa State on Friday at John Crain Field.

A slow start for OU paved the way for the Cyclones' first goal. Iowa State's Stephanie Kaphingst gave the Cyclones the initial lead at the 18:00 mark on a double assist from Erin Weldon and Amy Flores.

The Sooners rebounded to finish the half with some strong play and despite trailing in the shot column (7-3) in the first 45 minutes, OU evened things up in the second half. Freshman goalkeeper Jennifer Nichols started for OU but was substituted early in the game after giving up the first goal. Senior Catherine Wade made her first appearance in the Sooners' goal since the Missouri game (Sept 24 in Norman) and did not miss a beat. Wade came in shortly after ISU's first goal and was solid, making three saves in the game before being relieved with 10 minutes to play in the game by Nichols.

Box score

Nine different Sooners recorded shots in the game, led by freshman Allyson Kucera. One of Kucera's three shots came in the 87th minute and it proved to be the equalizing goal for the Sooners and Kucera's fourth tally of the season. For the sixth time this year, freshman Shana All connected for an assist off an OU corner kick and Andrea Hurley also assisted on the Kucera goal. Just when it appeared OU was headed to its seventh overtime game of the season, ISU's Kristina Baumann ended the evening under two minutes later. The shot from 25 yards out beat Nichols in the upper-right corner of the goal at the 87:52 mark.

“It was disappointing game to watch for the first 25 minutes,” said Oklahoma head coach Randy Evans. “We really did not play well to start the game but rebounded nicely before halftime. The level of play in the second half for us was great. Unfortunately, their goalkeeper came up with a couple of huge saves and ours did not.”

Nichols, who made her fifth consecutive start for the Sooners, did not have her best showing allowing both Iowa State goals despite being pulled in the first half, only to return late in the second session.

OU out shot the Cyclones 13-11 (10-4 in second half) and held a 6-0 advantage in the corner kick category.

“I told the team after the game that we showed a great deal of character by how we played and how we came back in the game,” added Evans. “But we also showed our immaturity as well, the youth of this team really showed tonight. But again, I am thrilled with the way we battled back and we will come out focused on Sunday looking for a good performance.”

The loss drops the Sooners to 6-5-3 overall and 2-4-0 in Big 12 play while Iowa State improves to 7-7-0 (4-2-0). OU will look to rebound against its fourth ranked opponent of the season on Sunday at 1 p.m. with Kansas at John Crain Field. The Jayhawks (13-2-0, 5-1) come in ranked No. 6/9 (Soccer Buzz/NSCAA) and are coming off a win over Oklahoma State in Stillwater on Friday, 1-0.

Sooners Fall 2-1 To Visiting Iowa State

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Sooners Fall 2-1 To Visiting Iowa State

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