Iowa State vs. Cincinnati Primer

Who: Iowa State (3-6-4, 1-2-2 Big 12) vs. Cincinnati (6-6-1, 2-4 Big 12)

Where: Cyclone Soccer Complex – Ames, Iowa

When: October 10 – 6 p.m.

Kicking Off
After hosting K-State last Sunday and earning a point after a hard-fought draw, the Cyclones return to the CSC to take on Cincinnati in the two teams' second-ever meeting and first in Ames. With a win, Iowa State would claim its 200th program victory.

Iowa State is looking to pick up its second win of the Big 12 slate and earn valuable points toward the postseason race as the season winds down. ISU earned its fourth shutout of the season and third in conference play last time out and will look to carry momentum forward from its dominant defense.

Cincinnati is looking to stabilize itself, having dropped five of its last seven contests. The Bearcats do hold a one-point lead over the Cyclones in the Big 12 standings on the 12 line (only the top 12 make the postseason), so Thursday's result will have a direct impact on the postseason outlook for both teams.

From the Notebook

ISU earned a 0-0 draw against K-State on Sunday, notching the fourth shutout of the season. Three of Iowa State's clean sheets have come in Big 12 play.
Speaking of clean sheets, Avery Gillahan was named the Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week for her performance against K-State. She joins Ella Zimmerman as Cyclones who have won PotW awards this season.
Iowa State earned a 0-0 tie against Utah on Sept. 26, securing its second road shutout of conference play this season. The last time ISU had two conference road shutouts was 2016.
The Cyclones will play their fourth ranked team of the season this weekend, marking the first time since 2021 they've played at least four ranked squads.
In its no contest against UCF, lightning caused a stoppage in the 67th minute at 7:35 p.m. In ISU's last no contest, in 2021 against Oklahoma State, lightning also stopped play in the 67th minute at 7:35 p.m.
For the first time since 2016, Iowa State opened Big 12 conference play with a win, defeating Kansas 1-0 in Lawrence. It was the second straight year ISU beat KU 1-0.
First-year transfers have had a big role for ISU this season, as three of the top six leaders in minutes played are in their first year in Ames.
Ten ISU athletes have scored this season. It's the first time since 2016 double digit Cyclone have recorded goals in a season.
Injuries have played a part in the early season for the Cyclones. Olivia Edwards, Jocelyn Bice and Avery Horner have been held out of all 13 games, while senior Hannah Shaw will miss the remainder of the season after being injured at Memphis.
ISU's six goals against UNI were its most since 2012, when it put seven on the board against UNI, winning 7-1. The team also posted its most assists in a single game since 2014.
Iowa State head coach Matt Fannon earned career win number 100 against UNI on 8/25.
For just the 16th time in 533 outings, Iowa State scored 6+ goals in a match against UNI to close out August.
Iowa State's 12 regular season home games are tied for the most in a single season in school history. The only other time ISU had 12 home games (1997), the team went 9-3.

Leading the Cyclones
Through 12 contests, Iowa State totes 10 goal-scorers, with seniors Morgan Furmaniak (4) and Magdalena Keck (3) leading the way. Keck has a team-high nine points, pairing three assists with her trio of scores.

Both Hannah Shaw and Sophia Thomas each have a pair of goals, rounding out the Cyclones with multiple scores on the season. Defenders Ella Zimmerman, Isabella Agrusso, Adelaide Wolfe and Chloe Broughton all also have goals to their names, along with midfielders Seulgi Lee and Lauren McConnell.

Avery Gillahan has been a constant for the Cyclones between the pipes this season, having played 1,150 minutes of action. Gilly has four shutouts on the year with 66 saves and a 1.41 goals-against average. Avery is second in saves in the Big 12, trailing just K-State's Murphy Sheaff.

Opponent Outlook
Cincinnati is led by freshman forward Rylee Felton, who has a team-high six scores – three of which were game-winning goals. Felton is top six in the conference when it comes to scoring. Not far behind Felton is Ellie Flower who has five goals.

Flower, along with Carly Oubs and Claire Rea, have a pair of assists on the season – all tied for a team best. Anna Rexford has been the only keeper to take the pitch for Cincinnati this season, allowing 18 goals and holding a 1.38 goals-against average. Rexford has 33 saves on the year as well as a clean sheet to her name.

Overall, Cincinnati has allowed 18 goals and has scored 20 times this season. The team has 142 shots, averaging 10.9 per contest, and places 48.6% of them on goal.

Series History
The Cyclones and Bearcats will meet for the second time ever on Thursday and for the second straight season. Cincinnati took last year's meeting in the Queen City, 1-0. It will be the first trip for the Bearcats to Ames.

Up Next
The Cyclones will be on the road for their next bout, traveling to No. 24 Texas Tech over the weekend to face off with the Red Raiders in Lubbock on Sunday. Sunday's match is set to start at 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

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Players Mentioned

Isabella Agrusso

Jocelyn Bice

Chloe Broughton

Olivia Edwards

Morgan Furmaniak

Avery Gillahan

Avery Horner

Magdalena Keck

Seulgi Lee

Lauren McConnell

Hannah Shaw

Sophia Thomas

Adelaide Wolfe

Ella Zimmerman

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