The Hawkeyes are coming.

In recent past, this fact has not equaled success for the ISU soccer team. The Cyclones (3-1) have failed to defeat the rival Hawkeyes (4-0) in each of their last six meetings; the last time Iowa State came out on top was in September 2005, when Iowa State prevailed 2-1 in Iowa City.

On Friday, Sept. 1, Iowa enters the ISU Soccer Complex with an undefeated record, a 15-0 goal differential this season, and the objective of extending its reign over the state for another year. The Cyclones, having allowed only one goal throughout four games this season, own an opposing objective.

“We want to win, and I think that can go without being said,” said ISU junior Jessica Stewart. “Every girl on the team, you can see it in our eyes; if you ask any of us, we’re driven, and we don’t expect to lose at all.”

The Cyclones and Hawkeyes have met on the pitch a total of 14 times, with the Hawkeyes leading the all-time series 7-5-2.

As far as added incentive goes, rivalry is a prime example. When ISU players and coaches see black and gold across the field, motivation is the easy part.

“I don’t think you really realize the rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State until you compete in one of those matches,” Stewart said. “I think that’s a huge driving force, just going into the game and knowing you’re representing Iowa State against another state school.”

Friday will mark the first home game of the season for Iowa State, after spending the past two weekends competing in Nebraska.

The Cyclones are excited to begin playing games in Ames, and for good reason. The team is 72-57-8 at home all-time, as opposed to a 43-85-16 record on the road.

Iowa has played three of its first four games at home, making the Cyclones’ home field advantage even more resounding on Friday.

“Home field is definitely a big thing,” said ISU junior Theresa Kucera. “The fact that we’re at home this year the majority of the time, rather than my past two years when we’ve been on the road a lot, will be good.”

The Cyclones’ season has begun in a favorable manner; they have been statistically dominant. The team has outshot opponents 53-32 through four games and has recorded three assists on six goals — indicating unselfish play.

Five different players already have two or more points on the season, as Emily Goldstein leads the team with five.

The Cyclones hung with No. 16 Virginia Tech for 90 minutes this past Sunday, Aug. 26, and, although the Hokies won 1-0, are using that game as a confidence-builder.

“If we come out [Friday] and play the way we did against Virginia Tech, we’re going to play well,” said ISU coach Wendy Dillinger. “If we come out the way we played against [Iowa] last year, it’s going to be a struggle.”

Friday’s game is slated to kick off at 7 p.m. at the ISU Soccer Complex in Ames.