PRIMER: Iowa State vs. Arizona

Who: Iowa State (3-1-2, 0-0 Big 12) vs. Arizona (5-3, 0-0 Big 12)

Where: Cyclone Soccer Complex (1,500) – Ames, Iowa

When: September 18 – 6 p.m.

Kicking Off
After recording its best non-conference winning percentage since 2016, Iowa State turns its attention to conference play as it welcomes Arizona to Ames for the Big 12 opener.

Last time out, Iowa State handled UNI, 4-1, overcoming a 1-0 halftime deficit by scoring four in the second stanza. The four goals in the second half were the most second-half goals by a Cyclone squad since 2012 against South Dakota.

The Wildcats come to Ames after finishing a three-game homestand. Arizona went 2-1 over that stretch, downing Denver and GCU while dropping a game to Pepperdine.

As a reminder, admission to the Cyclone Soccer Complex is FREE.

From the Notebook

Ten Cyclones have registered points so far in 2025. ISU has now had at least ten point scorers in each of the last three seasons.
The Cyclones scored multiple goals in their season opener for the third straight season, notching two.
Iowa State started the season with a streak of three straight results - it is the program's longest since 2022. The Cyclones earned a result for the third consecutive season in both their season opener and road opener this season.
The Cyclones had a flair for the dramatic early in the season, scoring both a game-winning and game-tying goal in the last minute and thirty seconds of two contests (Creighton & Drake). It's just the second time in program history that an ISU season has had multiple goals in the final minute thirty (2005).
Against Drake, Lucy Froitzheim netted an equalizer with 30 seconds left on the clock. Her goal is the latest game-tying score in program history and tied for seventh-latest regulation score by a Cyclone.
ISU earned its 200th program win over Creighton on Aug. 21, downing the Bluejays 1-nil. Isabella Agrusso scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute - the latest Cyclone goal since Courtney Powell scored with 50 seconds left against Kansas in a 1-1 draw back in March of 2020. Her game-winner, with 88:41 on the clock, was the eighth-latest game-winning goal (in regulation) in program history.
Iowa State scored four goals in back-to-back contests against both North Dakota and UNI, marking the first time since 1999 that the team had produced such prolific outings in consecutive outings.
The Cyclones scored four second-half goals against UNI on 9/11, as they overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit. The team's four second-half goals were the most since 2012 against South Dakota.
ISU downed North Dakota 4-0, scoring four or more goals in a contest for just the third time since 2013 as four different Cyclones scored. The win over UND was the team's first home win of the season.
Iowa State earned six draws (four in conference play) last season, setting a school record for most in a single season.

Leading the Cyclones
Iowa State's leading goal-scorer through the non-conference slate is center back Ella Zimmerman. Zimmerman has a team-high three goals, all coming off set pieces, as she leads the team in total points with six.

Morgan Goodman and Taylor Spitzer join Zimmerman as multi-goal scorers for the Cyclones, as each has two. Eight Cyclones are tied for the team lead in assists with one.

In the net, Kasey Cannistraro has been solid, starting all six contests for the Cyclones and allowing just five goals. Cannistraro has a clean sheet and a combined shutout to her name, as she has tallied 25 saves this season.

Overall, the Cyclones have 12 goals this season and have allowed just five scores. The team has 68 total shots, averaging 11.3 per contest, and places 54.4% of them on goal.

Opponent Outlook
Aurora Gaines and Jessica Bedolla lead the Wildcats with three goals scored each. Sami Baytosh, Lily Boydstun and Narissa Fults also have multiple (2) goals on the season, as, in total, nine different Arizona athletes have scored.

Both Gaines and Baytosh are tied for the team lead in assists with three, as Gaines leads all Arizona athletes in total points with nine. Rose Calkins and Boydstun both have two assists.

Olivia Ramey has been Arizona's primary keeper this season, as she has racked up 32 saves. Ramey has totaled three clean sheets and has faced 88 shots.

Overall, Arizona has 16 goals this season and has allowed 14 scores. The team has 100 total shots, averaging 12.5 per contest, and places 50% of them on goal.

Series History
Iowa State and Arizona will be meeting for the fifth time this Thursday. The series is split evenly at two apiece, with ISU winning the last contest in 2023.

Up Next
The Cyclones will be back in action next Thursday, Sept. 25, when they travel to Boulder to take on Colorado. The Buffs and Cyclones will square off at 8 pm CT and the contest will be streamed live on ESPN+.

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Players Mentioned

Isabella Agrusso

Kasey Cannistraro

Lucy Froitzheim

Morgan Goodman

Taylor Spitzer

Ella Zimmerman

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics