Cyclones Set for California Road Trip

AMES, Iowa- The Iowa State soccer team is heading west to California during the second weekend of the season. The Cyclones are set to take on Long Beach State in Long Beach, California, on Friday at 9:30 p.m. CT. The Cyclones will also take on the No. 10 Pepperdine Waves in Malibu, California, on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Last time out

The Cyclones started the season with a road trip to the state of South Dakota where they went 2-0. Iowa State defeated South Dakota State in the season opener last Friday, 1-0, off of a game-winning goal by Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week Haley Albert. The Cyclones also topped South Dakota last Sunday, 3-0. Goalkeeper Lindsey Hendon earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording a pair of shutouts.

Scouting the 49ers

The Cyclones and 49ers face off Friday at 9:30 p.m. at George Allen Field in Long Beach, California. Long Beach State (1-1-0) split their two games at home last weekend. In the season opener, the 49ers and goalkeeper Ashton McKeown held No. 4 UCLA scoreless in a 1-0 victory. LBSU wasn't able to find a goal in a double-overtime thriller against Auburn. Auburn took advantage off of a rebound in the 102nd minute to win, 1-0. The 49ers are receiving votes in the latest NSCAA poll.

What to watch for

The key thing to watch for in this match is how the Cyclones stay on the attack. The Cyclones found the back of the net on three occasions against South Dakota. Iowa State will be trying to score against Big West Defensive Player of the Week, Ashton McKeown. The junior goalkeeper recorded a shutout against a strong UCLA offense and only allowed a goal in the second overtime against Auburn. Senior Haley Albert will try to continue her scoring streak to three games.

Scouting the Wave

The Cyclones and the Wave (2-0-0) kick off on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Malibu, California. Pepperdine is coming off of a weekend where they won both of their games in 1-0 matchups that needed to go to overtime for a winner to be determined. The Wave made a deep run to the Sweet 16 in the 2014 NCAA Tournament and return six starters from that team, but they lost their top two in points including Lynn Williams who led the team with 14 goals.

What to watch for

The key matchup in this game will be how Iowa State's forwards get into the action. The Cyclones forwards are yet to score a goal in the early season even though they have attacked well and fired eight shots combined. The Cyclone midfield has stepped up and have done all of the scoring. The Wave are one of the strongest defensive teams Iowa State will play this year and they have proven it by not allowing a goal.

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.

Players Mentioned

Haley Albert

Lindsey Hendon

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics