The #24 West Virginia Mountaineers took the win over the Iowa State Cyclones, 1-0, in Morgantown on Thursday.Â
Read more: WVU Women’s Soccer Prevails Over Iowa State in 1-0 Slugfest
General
It was a chilly night for late-season footy in the Mountain State, and the offenses, for the most part, followed suit. One goal was enough to put the Mountaineers over in the Big 12 battle.
WVU rocked the all-blue kits in front of a respectable Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium crowd. ISU donned the white kits with bold red detail.
First Half
WVU held possession for 61% of the period, completely controlling the first half of Thursday’s match
Iowa State’s Ella Ciardullo gave Mountaineer goalkeeper Bailey Herfurth a look in the opening minute, but to no avail. It was all West Virginia up until the final five minutes of the half.
An Anna Hauer goal in the 22nd minute broke the ice, putting WVU up 1-0. The junior midfielder collected her second goal of 2025, thanks in part to Taylor White’s eighth assist this season. White leads the team in the category.
The Cyclones threatened late but only forced Herfurth to make two saves in the frame. The Mountaineers’ offensive attack gave ISU keeper Kasey Cannistraro plenty to work with, as she made three saves and allowed the Hauer goal.
WVU tripled Iowa State’s shot total in the half, 9-3. Several shots came off corner kick opportunities, with WVU (6) and ISU (2) combining for eight first-half attempts.
The penalty and offside categories remained empty, as the match was played with clean aggression. There was no shortage of banter on the pitch from both teams, but it was a rather well-played chess match.
Second Half
The second half was more evenly matched, with both teams having ample time with possession. Both squads delivered a physical performance with no shortage of contact.
WVU and ISU racked up several fouls each after no calls were made in the first 45 minutes. Officials called the action much tighter.
Iowa State settled in defensively, with much-improved on-field communication between the Cyclone players. WVU did not back down despite the improved performance by ISU in the second half.
West Virginia’s possession prowess overwhelmed Iowa State in the latter frame too, as the Mountaineers outshot the Cyclones 10-2 in the half and 19-5 in the match.
Bailey Herfurth and the Mountaineer defense collected another clean sheet in the victorious effort. The Cyclones simply could not penetrate the brick wall of a defense that the Mountaineers have assembled this season.
Wrap
WVU improves to 11-2-3 overall and 5-0-3 in Big 12 play. Iowa State drops to 4-8-3 overall and 2-4-3 in conference action.
Iowa State is set to face the Cincinnati Bearcats in its next match on Sunday, October 26. The Cyclones will have an opportunity to bounce back from Thursday’s loss in Morgantown.
The Mountaineers will return to action at noon on October 26 for a nationally-televised bout. WVU will celebrate Senior Day at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium by taking on the Oklahoma State Cowgirls.
WVU’s regular season schedule wraps up on October 30, when Cincinnati comes to town for a 7 P.M. match. For coverage of all things WVU Athletics, stay up to date with WV Sports Nation.
