The opponents don’t get any easier, and the matches only get more important.

With only five games to go, the ISU women’s soccer team has some work to do in order to secure a spot in the Big 12 tournament.

And in Kansas and No. 25 Colorado, the Cyclones (6-9, 2-3 Big 12) have two stern challenges ahead this weekend.

Iowa State hosts the Jayhawks (7-6, 2-3) at 7 p.m. Friday and No. 25 Colorado (7-4-2, 1-3-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday.

“These games are huge if we want to continue to postseason play,” junior co-captain Stephanie Kaphingst said. “We really have to bring it this weekend.”

Last Sunday, the Cyclones finished their Oklahoma road trip with only bad memories and two losses.

No. 12 Oklahoma State stole a victory from Iowa State, rallying from a 2-0 deficit in the final seven minutes and winning in double-overtime, 3-2. Oklahoma beat up on a demoralized ISU team two days later, 4-0.

Iowa State is working to put those games in the past. Junior co-captain Brittanie Waddell said the team had to refocus in the past week.

“It was a rough weekend. I think all of us had to sit down and self-reflect a little bit on how hard we played,” said Waddell, who leads the team with five goals. “I know I sat down and had to think ‘What can we do? We need to fix something. What can I do as a player to help our team win?’ I think this week getting through practice and making the small corrections we needed, everyone feels a lot better about this weekend . getting into this Kansas game will help us a lot.”

In a three-way tie for sixth in the conference, the Cyclones will have to play two talented teams this weekend, teams that are equally in need of a win.

Both Kansas and Colorado tied the Cyclones for second in the Big 12 last season.

Picked to finish fourth and fifth, respectively, the Buffaloes and the Jayhawks bring talent and desire to the ISU Soccer Complex this weekend.

“Both teams are extremely possession-oriented, very quick,” said coach Rebecca Hornbacher. “Kansas has got some very special players up top. They’ve got some goal-scorers that have good athleticism and look to attack, and they’ve got some very creative midfielders. They’re not weak anywhere on the field, and Colorado isn’t either.”

Hornbacher said the team has kept a positive attitude despite recent disappointments.

“They are resilient,” Hornbacher said. “They know how important these games in front of us are, they’re glad they’re getting to play at home. The girls are focused and very positive and ready to get some wins.”

Kaphingst said it is the right time for the team to show its character.

“We are anxious to get back on the field and play,” Kaphingst said. “[Kansas and Colorado] are both in the same boat as us. They need some results this week, and I hope we can come out on top.”

Iowa State has won three of five home games this season. Waddell pointed out the importance of earning two victories this weekend.

“We need to win these games,” she said. “They mean a lot for us, especially making it to the Big 12 tournament. We have our full focus on Kansas right now, because one game at a time we need to win these.”