DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's soccer team earned their second draw in three matches to start the 2024 season with a 1-1 tie against in-state foe Iowa State earlier tonight. The Bulldog women kicked off a fun evening on Drake's campus as the first part of a double-header with the Drake men's squad.
 
The Cyclones (1-1-1) drew first blood in Thursday's match as Morgan Furmaniak delivered her second score of the season in the 24th minute. Furmaniak was assisted by Magdalena Keck.
 
Trailing 1-0, Drake (0-1-2) went on the offensive. The Bulldogs' attack culminated in the 38th minute when Maia Bentley, who missed the entire 2023 season due to injury, came through. The junior defender gathered a Zoey Mahoney flip throw and plastered a strike past the Cyclone keeper for the equalizer.
 
The Bulldogs and Cyclones went into the half knotted at 1-1, which held over the final 45 minutes as time eventually expired for the draw.
 
Both goalkeepers posted solid outings as Iowa State's Avery Gillahan made five saves and Drake's Addie Ford had four.
 
"Tonight was a fun game in a great atmosphere," Drake head coach Lindsay Horner said. "We had several players perform well, and everyone that stepped on the field gave their all.  Our midfield adjusted well to their formation. We felt after our Kansas game we had to be more physical, and I certainly think we were up for the battle tonight. Plus, it's always exciting when two in state players Zoey and Maia connect for a goal against an in-state rival. This is a hard stretch of opponents and I'm proud of how our team is growing and improving so quickly."
 
The Bulldogs will remain home this weekend for a Sunday morning bout against their Bulldog counterparts, Butler. The two teams will square off at 10 a.m. on Aug. 25.