Following a 1-0 loss against Northern Colorado, the Cyclones hope to open the Big 12 Conference slate on a high note as they travel to Lawrence, Kansas, to face the Kansas Jayhawks on Thursday.
Iowa State was dealt a bad hand during Sunday’s game against the Bears. The Cyclones could not get the ball moving during the first half, eventually leading to Northern Colorado taking control of the field and scoring in the 40th minute of the first half. The Bears maintained aggressive defense in the second half, taking home their first win of the season.
“We had a week where we played really well and a week where we played really badly,” Iowa State head coach Matt Fannon said. “So for us, it’s just about getting back to what we do well and making sure we focus on those details and getting them right.”
To make up for Sunday’s loss against Northern Colorado, the Cyclones have acknowledged their mistakes and have been focused on using this week as a way to regain their momentum before their match against Kansas.
“We just need to remind everyone just how good we can do and ensure we can stick to our game plan,” Fannon said. “We are making sure that whatever the occasion is, it does not get the better of us.”
The last time Iowa State faced the Jayhawks was in 2023, resulting in a 1-0 win for the Cyclones. During that matchup, Kansas outshot Iowa State 14-5 in the first period and continued 8-7 in the second half.
“Kansas has played a very different way than they ever have before this year and they will create lots and lots of chances,” Fannon said. “So what’s important is that we make those chances low-success and that we control the tempo of the game so that we can create good chances that are more likely to be goals.”
The Jayhawks will be entering the matchup after a 0-0 draw against Vanderbilt. With the draw, Kansas sits at a 2-1-3 record this season, compared to the Cyclones’ 2-3-2 season.
“Based on the past week, the first 15 minutes have not been a strength for us, but it is for them, so that’s going to be an important part for us,” Fannon said. “I think if we make the game controlled and tempo-driven then we will do really well. If we allow the game to be transitional, just knocking the ball back and forth, then we will play right into their hands. So it’s important that we get that piece right.”
Despite the setbacks the past week, Iowa State is prepared for a comeback and to start its Big 12 season strong.
“We need to have energy and focus in the right direction that will put us in a place where we are very capable for this upcoming week,” Fannon said.
The Cyclones will play Kansas at 6 p.m. Thursday to open their conference season. This game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
