KU Soccer Downs Iowa in Spring Opener, 1-0

AMES, Iowa – Freshman Eli Mayr beat the keeper and netted the eventual game-winner 25 minutes into the second half to give Kansas the victory in its spring exhibition opener over the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday inside the Cyclone Sports Complex.
 
“I was really happy with the intensity today, especially on the defensive end,” said head coach Mark Francis. “We moved the ball really well and I thought we controlled the pace for the majority of the match. We created a lot of chances in the second half which I wish we could have converted into more goals, but overall, I’m pleased with the result.”
 
With neither team able to shake the other after the first 70 minutes of play, Mayr took it upon herself to break the stalemate. Junior forward Ashley Williams played a ball into the box, which found a streaking Mayr. The Brunnthal, Germany product used some skillful dribbling to beat a defender and then the Hawkeye goalkeeper before slotting home the go-ahead goal.
 
The Jayhawk defense remained impregnable for the remainder of the match to keep the shutout intact and earn Kansas its first win of the spring season.
 
“Offensively we need to get better at executing on the opportunities we’re creating,” explained Francis of what improvements his time is eyeing for the rest spring season. “If we can be more clinical in the attacking third, our offense will really benefit.”
 
The KU spring campaign will continue next week when the Jayhawks welcome in the defending champions of the National Women’s Soccer League to Lawrence, FC Kansas City. The friendly will kick off inside Rock Chalk Park on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. Follow on Twitter at @KUWSoccer throughout the match for stats and updates. Admission will be free to the public.
 
 
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