ORLANDO, FLORIDA — The Iowa State women’s soccer team closed its 2026 season Thursday, November 5, with a 7-0 loss at UCF, matching the second-worst margin of defeat in program history in what the Cyclones identified as head coach Matt Fannon’s final match.
Iowa State finished 4-11-4 overall and 0-9-2 in Big 12 play. UCF improved to 11-4-2 overall and 6-3-2 in the conference.
The Knights scored five times in the opening half and added two more after halftime. They outshot Iowa State 26-7, including a 12-0 advantage in shots on goal, and held a 9-1 edge in corner kicks.
Knights seize control in first half
Naomi Clark struck first for UCF just 6 minutes, 24 seconds into the contest. A video review upheld the goal. Alysiah Lockette made it 2-0 at 22:02, and another review left that goal standing.
UCF had a third apparent goal overturned in the 25th minute, but Clark found the net again at 27:24. Tyra Eriksen scored at 35:44 and Bella Douglas at 41:58 to send the Knights into halftime with a 5-0 lead.
Sophia May added a goal at 54:43, and Ainsley Moy completed the scoring at 65:50. UCF made widespread substitutions around the 70-minute mark.
Iowa State unable to put a shot on target
Alaina Villa accounted for three of Iowa State’s seven shots. Four other Cyclones attempted one apiece, but none of their efforts were on goal.
Iowa State goalkeepers Eme McClenahan and Sara Gavagan both played, and the Cyclones recorded five saves. UCF goalkeepers Kaina Cesar and Virginia Green combined for the shutout without making a save.
Clark finished with two goals and two assists for six points. Katsi Bengoa supplied three assists. Clark and Gabi Berchon each attempted five shots for the Knights.
Final match of Matt Fannon’s tenure
The seven-goal defeat tied the second-largest losing margin in Iowa State soccer history and ended a season in which the Cyclones did not record a Big 12 victory.
The result came after Iowa State’s 2-0 loss to Oklahoma State in Fannon’s final home match, previously covered by NorthIowaToday.com.
Iowa State Athletics described Thursday’s contest as the final game under Fannon’s direction, but the release did not explain his departure or announce a successor.
With the 2026 schedule complete, the Cyclones finish 4-11-4 overall. UCF heads toward postseason play following its 7-0 victory.
Additional game details are available in Iowa State Athletics’ official game report.