Cyclones Set to Open Season in Mississippi

AMES, Iowa- The Iowa State soccer team opens the regular season with a trip to the state of Mississippi to take on Mississippi State and Ole Miss. The Cyclones will kick off their season Friday at 7 p.m. in Starkville against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State before rounding out the road trip on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Oxford against Ole Miss.

Last time out

The Cyclones fell 2-1 in a close exhibition against Omaha Friday, August 15. Iowa State was led by freshman Maribell Morales, who scored the team's lone goal in the 18^th minute. The Cyclones were without one of their key players, Haley Albert, who sat out the match with an injury.

Scouting the Bulldogs

The Cyclones and Bulldogs face off Friday at 7 p.m. at the MSU Soccer field. Mississippi State finished its preseason schedule 1-1 with a victory over Memphis and a setback to Alabama. The Bulldogs return six starters from last year's squad that went 3-15-0. Mississippi State is led by senior Shannen Jainudeen, who tied for the team's leading returning goal scorer. Jainudeen scored the team's only goal in its two preseason matches.

What to watch for

The key thing to watch for in this match is which young team can mesh the quickest. Both squads lost key seniors off last year's teams. Iowa State brought in nine freshmen and one senior transfer, while Mississippi State welcomed in 19 newcomers.

Scouting the Rebels

The Cyclones and Rebels kick off on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium. Ole Miss is coming off a 16-6-2 season and a second round loss in the 2013 NCAA tournament. The Rebels will sport a few new faces after the departure of last year's senior class. 2013 seniors Rafaelle Souza and Mandy McCalla, who combined for 37 goals last season, both graduated. Ole Miss returns talented starting goalkeeper Kelly McCormick, a senior, who has 225 saves and 34 wins to her name.

What to watch for

The key matchup in this game will be how Iowa State's young forwards attack the rebels experienced goalkeeper. Iowa State was led by freshman Maribell Morales in its preseason game and the Cyclones will surely try utilize her talents in this match.

Fans can watch Iowa State play Mississippi State live on the SEC Network+ digital platform included in the link above. Follow Iowa State soccer's Twitter account @cycloneSCR for live updates on the game. Results will be posted on cyclones.com after the conclusion of the match.