The Cyclones’ blitzkrieg offense came out and struck early against Wisconsin- Green Bay on Sunday at the ISU Soccer Complex with senior captain Lauren Fader scoring in just the second minute of the game. She headed in a long kick by fellow senior Elisa Berzins.

Iowa State had been in this situation before, up early and relying on their defense to hold strong. The Cyclone defense, so far, has been a stone wall, and ranks among the top in the Big 12 conference.

Led by sophomore Mary Kate McLaughlin and freshmen Natalie Foulk and Megan Long, the defense held their ground for 76 minutes, allowing the Phoenix 4 shots on goal in the first half.

The relentless attack by the Phoenix, however, finally got through in the 78th minute.

With only 12 minutes remaining on the clock, the team had to rely on their offense to win the game for them. It paid off in the 85th minute when senior Amanda Nimtz wove through defenders all the way from midfield to score an unassisted goal that put the Cyclones on top 2-1.

Although the Phoenix tried to muster a final attack it proved futile and the Cyclones were victorious. The win, however, was a little too close for comfort for head coach Wendy Dillinger.

Dillinger said that the victory showed good character, however she also said that it shouldn’t have gotten to the point that it did.

Although it was a close victory, the win Sunday marks the first time in school history that Iowa State has been undefeated after its first five games.

The win this weekend will launch the Cyclones into a six-game road stretch, and won’t see a home game until October 2.

“It’s important for building confidence, and give us a little push,” Dillinger said in reference to the games this weekend. “It’s hard to play on the road…our conference is tough, we need all the confidence that we can get.”

The Cyclones travel to Illinois next weekend to take on both Eastern and Western Illinois.