For ISU soccer, the 2013 season was filled with pleasant surprises.

Getting back on the field for 2013 after going 1-7 in the Big 12 conference the previous season, most people did not have the team making the trip to Kansas City, Mo., in November for the Big 12 tournament, finishing in the top 5 of its conference or watching several players set records en route to earning All-Big 12 status.

When it was all said and done, it’s possible that many people were left with their mouths open.

For the first time since 2007, Iowa State qualified for the conference tournament, defeating Baylor 1-0 in the first round. The Cyclones also finished No. 4 in the Big 12, the highest final ranking for the team since 2005.

Offensively, senior Emily Goldstein led the charge from the midfield position, leading the team in goals with six and points with 16. Goldstein notched a hat-trick effort against Oklahoma and continued her potent play the following week against Baylor when she scored the golden goal in overtime.

Goldstein was also named player of the week one time and landed on the second team All Big-12. Goldstein is one of 10 seniors who graduated last season, including 2012 All-American Jennifer Dominguez and goalkeeper Maddie Jobe, who set five records last season.

Despite the success in 2013, Iowa State opted to not resign coach Wendy Dillinger. It instead hired Tony Minatta, one of Dillinger’s assistants, on Dec. 15, 2013.

Returning for the Cyclones is sophomore Koree Willer. In 2013, Willer scored six goals as a freshman and led the team in the assist column with six.

Iowa State’s 2014 schedule has eight home games including matches against in-state rivals Drake and Iowa. The Cyclones will also go up against six teams that qualified for the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

The 2014 season will begin August 15 with an exhibition game against Nebraska-Omaha.