Despite its 3-1 loss to Iowa in the home opener in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, the ISU soccer team has found one bright spot: the fans.

Iowa State set the home attendance record for a single game in its match against Iowa with 1,451 fans. With this match, the Cyclones shattered their old record of 1,076 fans for the 2010 Iowa matchup.

“It is exciting to see so many people supporting us,” said senior defender Megan Longobardi. “I looked over, and it was just people all along the fence. That was awesome; it kind of gets you pumped to play.” 

After the Cyclones’ second home game — a 7-1 blowout win against Northern Iowa on Sept. 4 — they were first in the Big 12 in average home attendance. The Cyclones averaged 1,078 fans, but now Texas Christian has the title.

“[Attendance] has been awesome,” said ISU coach Wendy Dillinger. “The players really enjoyed playing for the crowd.”

After Iowa State’s third home game against UW-Milwaukee, Sunday’s 2-1 win, the Cyclones now average 843 fans per game this season. The Cyclones are currently sixth in the Big 12 in average home attendance.

Despite the decline in attendance at the last home game, this season has still seen an improvement from recent years. In the 2011 season, Iowa State’s total home attendance was 3,112 fans.

The Cyclones are on pace to surpass last year’s total. Total home attendance so far this year is 2,528 fans with six home games — an entire conference schedule — left to play.

“Freshman year we would get a some fans, but it was not as many,” Longobardi said. “I have never seen this many fans.”

Even with the improving numbers, Iowa State still pales in comparison to other schools.

Texas A&M held last year’s Big 12 home attendance record with 31,559 fans in 12 home games. Brigham Young took the 2011 NCAA home attendance record in 11 home games with 31,697 total fans.

“Going to other schools where they have bigger crowds excites me, but [at home] to know that it is your fans there and they are supporting you is a big factor,” Longobardi said.

Although Iowa State has not matched the attendance of the most popular soccer programs, the players agree that the recent home attendance increase is beneficial to their game.

“I think it is good for everyone to know that they have support and people are cheering them on,” said senior defender Natalie Foulk.