Iowa State soccer earned its first win of the season with a 3-2 win over No. 24 Michigan on Thursday.

After coming into the day winless, the Cyclones rode a trio of goals to claim victory.

Early offense

The action started early as three goals were scored in the first 12 minutes of the match. Michigan scored 4:42 into the match, and the Cyclones quickly responded with goals at the 7:55 and 11:17 marks.

Both teams had four shots and two shots on goal in the first half. Iowa State’s four shots in the first half were an improvement over the three shots they had in the first half of the previous match against Creighton.

The aggressive offense for the Cyclones paid off in the first half, and the team was rewarded with two goals in a 3:22 span.

Resiliency

Winless Iowa State was down a goal 4:42 into the game, on the road, against a top 25 team, in a less than ideal situation, but there was no panic. The team stayed aggressive on offense and stuck to coach Fannon’s plan.

The response was two quick goals that sprung Iowa State into the lead 11:17 into the game after being down a goal. The seven-minute stretch the Cyclones played after Michigan scored was the sign of a disciplined team that is improving as the season continues.

After scoring the two quick goals, Iowa State’s defense continued to be strong, and they did not allow a goal for the rest of the half.

First victory

Jenna Lang scored in the 64th minute for the Wolverines to tie the game, but Iowa State responded again.

Sophia Thomas scored her second goal of the game in the 81st minute to propel the Cyclones to the late lead and their first victory of the season. The Cyclones waited longer than they wanted for the first victory of the season, but getting it on the road against Michigan is impressive nonetheless.

The Cyclones conclude their road trip Sunday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky, against the University of Kentucky.