The already solid defense of the ISU soccer team has been joined with continually improving offense so far this season.

The Cyclones head into Friday’s match at the ISU Soccer Complex with the Texas Longhorns (8-1-2) with three consecutive shutouts and tied atop the Big 12 standings with Missouri. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Cyclones (7-2-2, 2-0 Big 12) have already matched their conference win total from the previous season and the defense has been a big catalyst in the team’s resurgence.

The defense has been anchored by the steady play of sophomore goalkeeper Ann Gleason, who is the current Big 12 defensive player of the week and a member of the SoccerBuzz.com elite team of the week. Gleason currently leads the Big 12 in goals against average, shutouts, and shutouts per game. She also ranks second in save percentage and saves per game.

Despite her statistics, Gleason credits the play of her back line for her recent accomplishments.

“It was really cool to find out about it [Big 12 POTW],” Gleason said. “It definitely would not have happened without all the players on the team, especially the defense. They make it possible for these awards to happen. It’s very exciting for me, but at the same time, it never would have happened if the defense would not have done as great job as they have.”

The back line has attributed many things to its success, but two things that really stand out are experience and communication. Last year’s team had its share of growing pains, but those pains have led to a defense with plenty of experience, which has led to success this season.

“I think we have just gotten used to working together,” said sophomore Lauren Fader. “We’ve been talking to each other a lot more. The more time we get to play with each other, the more in sync we have been.” Communication will be vital when the highly ranked Longhorns come to town.

“It’s really important,” said senior Beth Passman. “We have to know what each other is doing and keep our shape in the back. If we aren’t talking to each other then there’s going to be big problems.”

Even with their recent success, the Cyclones will be heavy underdogs this weekend. The Longhorns lead the all-time series 13-1. The Longhorns are ranked in the top five of three major polls, including second in the Soccer America poll, while the Cyclones are new editions to two regional polls.

SoccerBuzz.com has the Cyclones ranked 13th in the Central region out of 69 teams, where the Longhorns are ranked first. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas poll has the Cyclones 10th in the Central and the Longhorns second.

Still, the underdog role is something the Cyclones relish in.

“We work hard as a team and as a back line,” said junior Amanda Purple. “To come in being kind of a mystery team – it’s always a good thing. If we work together as a team we will come out successful.”

Iowa State will also head to Colorado on Sunday. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.