Iowa State (2-2-2, 0-0 Big 12) is preparing to host the Northern Colorado Bears (0-7, 0-0 Big Ten) this Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Cyclone Soccer Complex in Ames, Iowa. This match represents Iowa State’s second to last non-conference contest, and it will also serve as Senior Day, with eight players being honored for their contributions to the program.
The players recognized during the ceremony include Sadie Baich, Morgan Furmaniak, Magdalena Keck, Leia Khairy, Seulgi Lee, Lauren McConnell, Hannah Shaw, and Yira Yoggerst. The recognition ceremony will kick off approximately 25 minutes before the match.
Iowa State is coming off a 2-2 tie against Michigan on Thursday, where Furmaniak scored her fourth goal of the season, leading the team. In contrast, Northern Colorado has struggled this season, currently sitting at 0-7 and having scored only two goals, both of which were scored away from home. Sunday’s match concludes a three-game road trip for the Bears.
Iowa State has seen impressive contributions on offense, with Magdalena Keck and Morgan Furmaniak both scoring at least three goals this season. The team had previously taken until their twelfth game last year to have two players reach that mark. This season, Iowa State has already surpassed last year’s total number of goal scorers, with nine players finding the back of the net.
The Cyclones set a season high with six goals against UNI, marking their best scoring performance since 2012. Head coach Matt Fannon achieved his 100th career win during that game on August 25. Additionally, Hannah Shaw also had a standout performance, scoring her first two collegiate goals.
Leading the team in points is senior Magdalena Keck, who has accumulated nine points with three goals and three assists. Furmaniak holds the title for the most goals with four. Other contributors include Hannah Shaw, who scored her first goals, as well as defenders and midfielders who have also tallied goals this season.
Northern Colorado is keen to secure its first victory of the season. With several non-conference games remaining, the Bears are not set to begin their conference play until September 26. Southern Colorado’s scoring has been led by Lauryn Maggio and Ava Marshall, each scoring once, while Ashley Hillman and Riley Kaali-Nagy have each contributed assists.
In their all-time meetings, Iowa State holds a 2-0 advantage over Northern Colorado, with both previous matches taking place in Greeley, Colorado. The Cyclones have outscored the Bears 4-0 in those encounters.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will continue its season on Thursday, September 11, traveling to Lawrence to open Big 12 play against Kansas at 6 p.m., which will be broadcast live on ESPN+.