Iowa State Cyclones are set to open their 2026 campaign at home, welcoming Kansas City to the Cyclone Sports Complex for a game that doubles as Senior Night, a celebration of five graduating players who have shaped the program over the past four years.
Honoring the Seniors
The seniors — Sara Gavagan, Erin Hopewell, Regan John, Maia Soulis and Sydney Walters — will be recognized on the field before kickoff, marking the culmination of their collegiate careers and providing a emotional backdrop for the upcoming contest.
The Cyclones entered the season with a clean sheet, having posted a 1‑0 victory over Omaha in their previous outing, a win that extended their streak of opening‑season triumphs to four straight years. Danica Lunceford scored her first career goal in her debut appearance, securing the victory for Iowa State.
Coach Matt Fannon, who has guided the program for several seasons, used the occasion to announce his retirement at the end of the 2026 campaign, adding a poignant note to the evening. The team has also navigated a significant roster turnover, having lost 14 players from the 2025 roster due to injuries, including Morgan Struttmann and Giovanna Hansen.
Kansas City arrives as the fifth‑ranked team in the Summit League preseason poll, bringing a potent attack led by Ashley Koch and Olivia Platt, who were named Players to Watch, and goalkeeper Anika Patton, who posted a first‑half shutout in an exhibition against Arkansas. Last season the Kansas City side recorded 35 goals scored and 32 allowed, shooting at a 49.2 percent clip.
Historically, the two programs have split their meetings, each owning a win, and Iowa State holds a slight edge in the all‑time series. The Cyclones will next face Drake on August 20, a match that will be streamed live on ESPN+, adding further excitement to the early season schedule.