Marina
In a statement night for Kansas soccer, the Jayhawks secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Thursday evening at Rock Chalk Park.
The win marked Kansas’ eighth triumph of the season, lifting their record to 8-2-2 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play.
The show was headlined by freshman forward Becca Smith, who scored her first two collegiate goals, fueling a dominant performance that grounded the Wildcats’ early edge.
Match Recap: How It Unfolded
Early Momentum for K-State
- Kansas State struck first in the 8th minute. Senior Jayce Woodard delivered a through ball to forward Andra Mohler, who capitalized with a finish past KU goalkeeper Sophie Dawe.
- That marked Mohler’s first goal in Big 12 play and the earliest goal the Wildcats had scored all season.
Kansas Responds & Takes Lead
- Kansas equalized in the 32nd minute when Jillian Gregorski converted a penalty kick, bringing the score to 1–1.
- Before halftime, Kansas took the lead. In the 41st minute, freshman Jordan Rowan set up Becca Smith, who drove her shot past the keeper from near the penalty arc. That gave the Jayhawks a 2–1 lead going into the break.
Second Half: Jayhawks Pull Away
- In the 67th minute, a swift combination saw Saige Wimes deliver a cross from the wing to Livvy Moore, who tapped home to make it 3–1.
- Smith sealed her breakout night in the 74th minute, receiving a pass from Jillian Gregorski and instinctively heel-tapping the ball into the net for her second goal of the game.
- Neither side added more goals in the final stretch, and Kansas held on to the 4–1 advantage.
Lineups & Notable Notes
- The Jayhawks played without leading scorer Lexi Watts, who was sidelined due to injury.
- This absence forced the first lineup change of the season; freshman Lydia Viets started in Watts’ place.
- The victory extended Kansas’ win streak over K-State to three (dating back to 2023).
- In the all-time series, Kansas now leads 7–2–2 against Kansas State.
- Attendance at Rock Chalk Park peaked at 2,402 fans, the second-largest crowd in program history.
- Kansas outshot the Wildcats 20–7 overall, including a 10–4 edge in shots on goal.
Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Kansas 4, Kansas State 1 |
| Kansas Record After Match | 8-2-2 (2-2 Big 12) |
| K-State Record | 5-4-2 (0-3-1 Big 12) |
| Attendance | 2,402 spectators |
| Becca Smith | 2 goals (first career goals) |
| Other KU Scorers | Gregorski (PK goal), Moore |
| Shots (KU vs. KSU) | 20 vs. 7 |
| Shots on Goal (KU vs. KSU) | 10 vs. 4 |
| All-Time Series (KU vs. KSU) | KU leads 7-2-2 |
Quotes & Reflections
Coach Nate Lie:
“We haven’t come out of halftime particularly well these last few games… I really challenged the team, and they met that challenge. …We were able to settle in, pin them in, start to get rhythm. Players kept making positive contributions.”
Becca Smith on her breakout night:
“Coming off two losses, it was really important we bring momentum back … the rivalry was really important, so we just came out and gave it our all.”
What This Means & What’s Next
- Momentum Reclaimed: After back-to-back losses, Kansas regained its swagger in a rivalry match, demonstrating depth and fight.
- Rising Stars: Freshman Becca Smith now joins the scoring column emphatically, showing potential as a clutch contributor.
- Confidence with Change: Without Lexi Watts, KU managed a strong performance and supplemented with lineup flexibility.
- Upcoming Test: The Jayhawks now travel to Lubbock, Texas to face No. 18 Texas Tech on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, looking to carry this energy into Big 12 play.
On a night when stakes and rivalry were high, Kansas soccer delivered a commanding performance, rolling to a 4–1 victory over Kansas State.
This match showcased the Jayhawks’ resilience, depth, and ability to step up under pressure — all without their leading scorer. Freshman Becca Smith stole the show with her first two goals, while Kansas executed well across the field with shots, control, and composure.
As they head to face Texas Tech this weekend, KU looks stronger, more confident, and ready to push further into the heart of Big 12 competition.