The ISU soccer team ventured to South Dakota last weekend for a pair of games, but the team’s trip this weekend is considerably farther.

Instead of the Midwest opponents who typically appear on their non-conference schedule, the Cyclones will be on the West coast for games against Long Beach State on Friday and Pepperdine University on Sunday.

In addition to all of the typical game preparation, the Cyclones will add various California sightseeing ventures to their trip itinerary, which can be both a benefit and a burden.

“It might be a little difficult knowing that you’re in California, and it’s absolutely beautiful, but I think the team is really good at staying focused on the game,” said freshman Taylor Wagner.

Pepperdine is located in Malibu, Calif., with a campus within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean.

It’s safe to say that being in a vacation destination like Malibu can add a few distractions for a team that is in town on a business trip. Fortunately for the Cyclones, team captains and other leaders are making sure the team keeps its focus on the task at hand.

“We’re there to take care of business,” said junior Madi Ott. “We always say winning is fun and that holds true. Our trip won’t be nearly as fun if we don’t get results.”

Despite a few potential distractions, the trip will also provide some benefits.

For starters, the Cyclones will compete against two teams they rarely see, opposed to the typical Midwest teams they square off against year in and year out. This will provide an added challenge.

They will also get a chance for some extra team bonding.

“I think it’s an opportunity for the team to come together more,” said Tony Minatta, ISU soccer head coach. “There’s not much to do in Brookings, [S.D.], or Vermillion, [S.D.], so you’re kind of sitting in the hotel staring at each other. So a place like [California] gives us an opportunity while we have down time to kind of bond as a team.”

A team trip to the beach or an attraction in Los Angeles allows teammates to interact outside of the typical practice or school setting.

“You kind of get to see more peoples’ personalities in fun situations, so it’s definitely a good team-bonding experience,” Ott said.

Regardless of the positives or negatives associated with such a road trip, the task at hand remains difficult.

Both Pepperdine and Long Beach State have developed into reputable soccer programs. Pepperdine is ranked No. 10 in the country, and Long Beach State upset No. 4 UCLA earlier this season.

Iowa State is eager to see how they measure up to such teams.

“Are we going to be a team that’s competing matchup wise, or are they that much better? And I think we’ll be able to go out and compete, put some pressure on them, and it’ll be two really good games,” Minatta said.