AMES, Iowa – Iowa State (3-3-1) blanked Portland State (1-4) by a score of two-nil on Thursday afternoon behind a pair of scores from fifth-year team captain Mira Emma.

The win pushed Iowa State to its best start since 2016, when it began the year 5-2.

Avery Gillahan recorded the second clean sheet of her career on Thursday, as the Iowa State backline didn’t even allow her to face a shot on goal until the final 15 minutes of play.

The Cyclones outshot the Vikings 14-10, putting seven shots on goal and earning five corner kicks to Portland State’s one.

Emma pushed the issue early and often for the Cyclones, as the senior was tied for the team -lead with three shots on the day with Alex Campana. As Portland State struggled to clear a ball out of its side of the field, Maddie Brant fed a ball inside to Emma who sent a left-footed laser into the back left of the net to put Iowa State up 1-0.

Following the goal, Iowa State withstood a pair of Viking shots before countering with a push of its own. Iowa State was able to push the ball into the PSU box, resulting in a foul which led to an Emma penalty kick – her fourth of the year.

Emma prepared herself and was able to send one past the Viking goalkeeper to notch her second career brace, giving the Cyclones a 2-0 cushion.

Iowa State would continue to test the Viking defense, sending five more shots toward the PSU keeper before the break, but they stood tall. Iowa State went into half leading for the second time this season.

Coming out of the break, Portland State was much more aggressive on offense. After being outshot 9-4 in the first, Portland State put up four shots in the first 20 minutes to try and spark a run.

Gillahan and the ISU backline dealt with the Viking attack, forcing off-target shots and turnovers, securing a 2-0 victory in Oregon.

In the teams’ first-ever meeting, Iowa State took the advantage, downing the Vikings 2-0.

Mira Emma scored career goals 14 and 15 today, pushing her into a tie for seventh-most all-time in school history.

Fannon’s Thoughts 

“I’m really happy with the way we took care of business today. We gave away no chances, we created plenty and we toughed out the moments of the match that we gad to do. It was a complete performance.”

 

Goals 

Iowa State: Mira Emma 15’ & 27’ (pen.)

Portland State: N/A 

 

Assists 

Iowa State: Maddie Brant 

Portland State: N/A  

 

Up Next
Iowa State will return from its trip out west to host the Kentucky Wildcats on Sunday, September 10, in the non-conference finale. The game against Kentucky is also ISU’s Senior Day, where eight Cyclones will be honored. The Cyclones and Wildcats will get underway at 1 p.m. and the action will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.