DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's soccer team fell to the Iowa State Cyclones, 2-0, Saturday night in front of more than 800 fans at the Cownie Soccer Complex in the team's final exhibition contest of the 2018 preseason. The two teams played three 30-minute periods in the final preseason tune-up for each.
 
Saturday night was extra meaningful for the program as it hosted its annual "Kick Cancer" game in honor of one of their own in senior midfielder Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.). Brand was diagnosed with thyroid cancer during the 2017 season but didn't miss any matches because of the cancer and earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors for the third straight season. Following the 2017 season, Brand underwent successful surgery and is now cancer free. To help bring awareness to Brand's courageous fight and for others dealing with cancer, the team wore special teal "Kick Cancer" jerseys for the in-state match. Prior to kickoff, Brand was joined by her parents, Warren and Michelle, and her sisters, Stephanie and Jessica, for a special introduction.
 
"Firstly, we are really appreciative of our athletic department and the community for supporting Alyssa and the "Kick Cancer" cause," said head coach Lindsey Horner. "We couldn't have imagined such an incredible turnout!"
 
After a scoreless first period that saw each team have multiple shots on goal, Iowa State broke through with a goal by Courtney Powell late in the second period. Powell stole a Bulldogs' pass and beat sophomore goalkeeper Kelsie Stone (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) in the 52^nd minute. Later, the Cyclones added a late goal in the match's final minutes. Emily Steil scored on a deep shot that was just out of reach of Stone.
 
"In terms of the game we were really pleased with the continuing development of the group," Horner said. "We managed to get 24 players on to the field while still maintaining our defensive structure which is a great positive. We are very happy with our overall progress and are exactly where we wanted to be at this point in preseason. Our training and two exhibition games have provided great learning opportunities and experience for us to build from leading into the Montana tournament."
 
Following Saturday's final exhibition game, Drake opens the regular season in Missoula, Mont., on Aug. 17 against San Francisco at 3:30 p.m. CST.