The ISU soccer team travels to Brookings, S.D., on Friday to face South Dakota State before returning home in time to face UW-Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon. The two opponents own a combined record of 2-7-2.

The Cyclones (5-3) defeated South Dakota State (1-4-1) by a score of 1-0 last season in Ames and are tied with the Jackrabbits 2-2-1 in the all-time series.

The Jackrabbits have struggled to generate offense so far this season, having scored only four goals through their first six games. Compare that to the Cyclones, who have netted 17 goals through eight games this season, and an offensive advantage begins to make itself apparent.

“There’s something about them, whenever we play them, it’s like this battle,” said ISU junior Erin Green, about South Dakota State. “It’s a team that we should be beating by a larger amount, but it always comes down to the small things. I’m excited to play them.”

Iowa State faced UW-Milwaukee (1-3-1) for the first time in program history last season, falling to the Panthers 2-0.

Milwaukee is currently riding a three-game losing streak, leaving the Cyclones hopeful for revenge this time around.

This weekend’s games are the final nonconference games leading up to the Big 12 schedule for the Cyclones, who kick off conference play against Texas on Sept. 21.

“They’re two games that we want to put away, just to gain confidence going into conference,” said ISU coach Wendy Dillinger.

Players and coaches realize the importance of the nonconference schedule, not only to help the Cyclones’ record but also to prepare them for the intensity of Big 12 play.

“These are definitely important games,” said ISU senior Kelsey Calvert. “We don’t overlook anything. The big picture is: We look toward conference, but these games help us so much more.”

This weekend features a rare away-home split for the Cyclones, something that does not show up on the schedule often. Although this will create a more unusual travel situation for the Cyclones, they are more than pleased to be able to face Milwaukee in Ames as opposed to on the road Sunday.

The Cyclones have lost three games so far this season, two of which have come against nationally-ranked opponents. The three teams that have defeated the Cyclones own a combined record of 23-0.

The team is approaching the halfway point of its regular season and has assessed what needs to happen in the second half in order for the Cyclones to succeed leading up to the Big 12 tournament.

“The most important thing for us is to come out with a total 90 [minutes], where we come out hard from the start, we put everything together that our coaching staff has given us,” Calvert said.

The Cyclones are set to face South Dakota State at 6 p.m. Friday and Milwaukee at 1 p.m. Sunday.