AMES, Iowa – Due to persistent lightning in the area, Thursday’s Big 12 Conference women’s soccer match between UCF and Iowa State at ISU’s Cyclone Sports Complex has been declared a no contest.
The Knights (3-1-2, 1-0-0 Big 12) and Cyclones (3-4-2, 1-0-0 Big 12) were able to play into the 67th minute before inclement weather halted the match. After a two-hour delay, officials deemed the game a no contest as play did not meet the 70-minute threshold.
The Black and Gold had an early chance, as Caitlyn Matthews took a shot from just outside the 18-yard box in the 12th minute, but ISU keeper Avery Gillahan was able to leap up and make the save. UCF later had another opportunity in the 19th minute as Chloe Netzel drove through traffic to the right side of the box, but her shot was saved to keep it scoreless.
With the game still scoreless in the second half, ISU had an opportunity in the 54th minute as Ella Ciardullo took a shot in the box and the ball hit off the left post and then ricocheted off the right post directly to a diving Genesis Perez Watson to keep the Cyclones off the board.
The Black and Gold later passed the ball ahead to Netzel on the left side in the 62nd minute and the senior had a good look, but the shot sailed high. UCF later got a shot from Kyleigh Thelen off a free kick in the 65th minute but it too went high.
Still scoreless in the 67th minute, the match was delayed due to weather before ultimately being ruled a no contest.
The Knights, who are currently receiving votes for the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll, will now return to Orlando to host conference newcomer Arizona State on Sunday. Sunday’s contest is set for a noon ET start at the UCF Soccer Complex and will air live on ESPN+.