Kansas Takes on Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown

Kansas State (5-3-2, 0-2-1 Big 12) vs. Kansas (7-2-2, 1-2-1 Big 12)
When	Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. CT
Where	Lawrence, Kan. // Rock Chalk Park
Watch	ESPN+
Live Stats	Stats
Tickets	Buy Tickets
Social Media	@KUWSoccer \| @kansassoccer \| Facebook

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas ends its three-game homestand on Thursday, Oct. 2, as the Jayhawks take on Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. Thursday's match will begin at 6 p.m. CT from Rock Chalk Park and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans can purchase tickets by clicking here or by calling the Kansas ticket office at 785-864-3141.

"We're going to have to face adversity at some point in the season, but how we respond to it will determine who we are as a team," Kansas head coach Nate Lie said. "Our focus shifts to Kansas State, who is having a great season. They represent a huge challenge in a rivalry game."

Kansas dropped a tight match against No. 10 TCU on Sunday 3-2. The Jayhawks opened the match quickly with a goal from Lexi Watts in the fifth minute, but TCU was able to answer in the 24th minute with a goal of their own. TCU came out of halftime and scored goals in the 63rd and 65th minutes to put the Horned Frogs up 3-1. Saige Wimes was able to put Kansas within striking distance with a goal in the 83rd minute, but the Jayhawks were unable to complete the comeback.

This week, Kansas sits at No. 21 in the TopDrawerSoccer poll. Kansas has been in the TDS poll for five straight weeks.

Lexi Watts ranks fifth in the Big 12 and leads Kansas with six goals. Watts is also tied for eighth in the Big 12 and leads the team in points with 13. Jillian Gregorski's four goals puts her second on the team and 10th in the Big 12. Caroline Castans is tied for fourth in the Big 12 in assists and leads Kansas with five assists.

ABOUT KANSAS STATE
Kansas State has a record of 5-3-2, as the Wildcats are coming off of a 3-0 loss to Baylor on Sept. 28. Kansas State is led by Hannah Palmer who leads the Wildcats with 11 points, four assists and three goals.

SERIES HISTORY
This will be the 11th edition of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown in women's soccer, with Kansas leading 6-2-2. The last matchup was on Oct. 25, 2024, which Kansas won 2-0 in Manhattan.

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
Thursday's match will be broadcast on ESPN+, with Josh Klingler (play-by-play) and Sarah Gonzalez (analyst) on the call. Fans can watch by clicking here.

Live statistics can be found here, while live updates will also be provided on the team's official X page at @KUWSoccer.

UP NEXT
Kansas will begin a two-game road trip, as the Jayhawks will first travel to Lubbock, Texas, for a matchup with No. 18 Texas Tech on Oct. 5. The match is slated for 1 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Kansas Takes on Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Caroline Castans

Jillian Gregorski

Lexi Watts

Saige Wimes

University of Kansas Athletics

Kansas Takes on Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Caroline Castans

Jillian Gregorski

Lexi Watts

Saige Wimes

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