In the last two months, the ISU soccer team has lost its head coach and two preseason scrimmages. Despite that, there are still high expectations for the season.

For Iowa State, the regular season gets under way this weekend in Colorado at the Falcon Invitational. Iowa State will play Air Force Friday and take on Gonzaga Monday before heading back for three games at home next week.

Creighton defeated Iowa State in the Cyclones’ final tune-up for the regular season, 2-0.

The squad also lost a scrimmage to Northwestern, but interim head coach Rebecca Hornbacher said the losses aren’t representative of the effort put forth.

“They have been working extremely hard during the preseason,” Hornbacher said. “But their bodies are a little tired.”

Hornbacher, who was hired under former head coach Stephanie Gabbert in June, became the interim head coach after Gabbert’s resignation in July.

In 2001, she guided the University of Hartford to a 15-6 record overall and a 10-1 mark in the America East Conference.

Hornbacher, a former All-America goalkeeper at Nebraska, gives the team a perspective from a successful former athlete.

Air Force went 8-11-1 last season while Gonzaga struggled to a 0-13-1 record in 2001. The Cyclones, who didn’t win a game on the road last season, are hoping to improve on last year’s 5-11-2 mark.

Hornbacher said there are many reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming season, including the performance of seven freshmen.

“I’m excited about the direction of this program,” she said. “The girls are very positive about what we are trying to get from them and how to get there.”

Sophomore Nikki Gamble, one of the top returning players, said the team has enjoyed working with Hornbacher and assistant coach Jim Winslow.

There is a great attitude within the program and it starts with the upperclassmen, Gamble said. “A lot of it has to do with the seniors, who are really looking to be leaders,” she said. “It’s really bringing our team together.”

The midfielder said the team is in a good position, considering all the changes within the program in the last two months.

The 2002 squad will have to deal with the loss of Nicole Wilcox. The 5-foot-8 forward led the Cyclones with eight goals last season.

“We’re coming together,” Gamble said. “With all the changes in the coaching staff, we’re actually doing really well.”