AMES – The Iowa State Cyclones return home to take on No. 17 Iowa in what is anticipated to be one of the season’s biggest games. Iowa State head coach Matt Fannon and company seek to earn their first win over a ranked opponent after falling 4-2 to No. 7 Memphis on Sept. 1. 

“I think that we have come alive,” Fannon said. “I think rather than pressure they feel the excitement. The women love playing here and love playing against Iowa. I think one of our best performances was the last time we played Iowa here.”

The Cyclones fought hard in their most recent game against the Hawkeyes but ultimately came up short, losing 2-1. Iowa State won the matchup in 2022, marking its first win over Iowa since 2018. 

“We need to dictate and control the game,” Fannon said. “We need to control the ball and control the tempo.”

Iowa State fought hard in its most recent matchup against Kansas, allowing only eight shots from the Jayhawks. Junior midfielder Sophia Thomas scored the only goal of the game in the 84th minute which resulted in a 1-0 win for the Cyclones. Thomas’ goal would go down as her second goal of the season.

In previous matchups, Iowa and Kansas have proven to have significantly higher scoring percentages against Iowa State. Goalkeeper Avery Gillahan is set to start the matchup for the Cyclones and is expected to have her hands full on defense. 

“We are in a space where we know goalkeepers are going to make saves,” Fannon said. “If you find yourself in a space where a game-changing save needs to be made, take care of it.”

The Cy-Hawk matchup will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Cyclones Sports Complex in Ames. The game will also be streamed on ESPN+.