Cyclones Prepare for 2026 Exhibition Showdown
The Iowa State Cyclones are set to open their 2026 soccer campaign with a much‑anticipated exhibition match against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Wednesday. The game, which will be held at the Cyclone Soccer Complex, marks the lone preseason contest for the Cyclones before the regular season begins.
Iowa State will field a lineup that retains five starters from the 2025 squad, among them freshmen Megan Walters and Sophie Forrester, who are expected to make immediate impacts. Midfielder Morgan Goodman headlines a group of returning scorers, while the team navigates injuries to Morgan Struttmann and Giovanna Hansen, who will miss the season.
The matchup is part of a series that has seen Minnesota and Iowa State meet three times in the past four seasons, adding a layer of familiarity to the contest. Minnesota arrives ranked 14th in the 2026 Preseason Poll after finishing 15th in the Big Ten the previous year with a 6‑8‑3 record.
Adding to the intrigue, seven of the eleven new transfers to the Cyclones come from Power 4 programs, underscoring the program’s growing appeal. The exhibition will be free to the public, with admission to the Cyclone Soccer Complex open for fans eager to catch a first look at the new roster.
The Cyclones' season opener will also feature a clash with the Omaha Mavericks on August 12 at 7 p.m., setting the stage for a busy summer of preparation. As the team finalizes its lineup, the excitement among players and supporters alike is palpable.