Iowa State vs. Baylor Primer

Kicking Off
Iowa State is set to square off with Baylor this Friday in the regular season finale in a game with major Big 12 postseason implications. The Cyclones would qualify for the Big 12 Soccer Championship if they earned program win No. 200, knocking Baylor out of the postseason. The Bears need either a win or a draw to advance, which would end ISU's year.

After starting conference play strong, winning on the road at Kansas, Iowa State has been unable to find favorable results, going 0-5-3 in the Big 12 since. ISU's three ties in conference play are the most in school history, as the Cyclones have been right there multiple times but have been unable to secure a coveted league victory.

Baylor has hit a bit of a rough patch in its schedule, too, claiming just one win in its last seven outings. The Bears come to Ames to finish off a three-game road trip, which already featured matches at both BYU (3-3 draw) and Utah (0-2 loss). BU looks to avoid missing the conference tournament for the second time in the last three years.

From the Notebook

In 18 halves of conference play, the Cyclones have recorded 11 shutout stanzas.
For the first time since 2018, an ISU keeper recorded consecutive clean sheets, as Avery Gillahan blanked both K-State and Cincinnati. to start October. She has five shutouts on the season and four in conference play. One more clean sheet would push Gillahan into a top-5 season in school history.
Gillahan was named the Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week on 10/8, joining Ella Zimmerman as Cyclones who have won PotW awards this season. It's the first time since 2020 that two Cyclones earned weekly honors.
The Cyclones have earned five draws this season, tying the school benchmark for most in a year.
In its no contest against UCF, lightning caused a stoppage in the 67th minute at 7:35 p.m. In ISU's last no contest, in 2021 against Oklahoma State, lightning also stopped play in the 67th minute at 7:35 p.m.
For the first time since 2016, Iowa State opened Big 12 conference play with a win, defeating Kansas 1-0 in Lawrence. It was the second straight year ISU beat KU 1-0.
First-year transfers have had a big role for ISU this season, as three of the top six leaders in minutes played are in their first year in Ames.
Ten ISU athletes have scored this season. It's the first time since 2016 that double-digit Cyclone has recorded goals in a season.
Injuries have played a part all season for the Cyclones. Olivia Edwards, Jocelyn Bice and Avery Horner have been held out of all 18 games, while both Hannah Shaw and Regan John are likely to miss the rest of the season.
ISU's six goals against UNI were its most since 2012, when it put seven on the board against UNI, winning 7-1. The team also posted its most assists in a single game since 2014.
Iowa State head coach Matt Fannon earned career win number 100 against UNI on 8/25.
For just the 16th time in 533 outings, Iowa State scored 6+ goals in a match against UNI to close out August.

Leading the Cyclones
Through 17 contests, Iowa State totes 10 goal-scorers, with seniors Morgan Furmaniak (4) and Magdalena Keck (3) leading the way. Keck has a team-high nine points, pairing three assists with her trio of scores.

Hannah Shaw, Sophia Thomas and Lauren McConnell each have a pair of goals, rounding out the Cyclones with multiple scores on the season. Defenders Ella Zimmerman, Isabella Agrusso, Adelaide Wolfe and Chloe Broughton all also have goals to their names, along with midfielder Seulgi Lee.

Avery Gillahan has been a constant for the Cyclones between the pipes this season, having played 1,510 minutes of action. Gilly has five shutouts on the year with 90 saves and a 1.61 goals-against average. Avery is second in saves in the Big 12, trailing just K-State's Murphy Sheaff.

Opponent Outlook
Baylor boasts a fairly balanced offensive output, as four Bears have at least four scores on the year. The team is led by Big 12 Preseason Team member Tyler Isgrig who has 19 points with six goals and seven assists. Ashley Merrill chips in five goals, while both Callie Conrad and Hallie Augustyn have four apiece.

Like Iowa State, Baylor has five shutouts on the year, courtesy of goalkeeper Azul Alvarez. Alvarez has faced 271 shots and recorded 87 saves, placing her third in the Big 12, just behind Gillahan. On the year, Alvarez holds a 1.06 goals-against average and is saving 83.7% of the shots sent her way.

Overall, Baylor has 25 goals this season and has allowed 21 scores. The team has 235 shots, averaging 13.1 per contest, and places 38.7% of them on goal.

Series History
Iowa State and Baylor will meet Friday for the 32nd time in a series that dates all the way back to 1996. The Bears hold the all-time advantage and have won seven of the last eight matchups.

Up Next
The fate of Iowa State's 2024 season depends on Friday night's result. With a win, the Cyclones would advance to the Sprouts Farmers Market Big 12 Soccer Championship. A win would put the Cyclones in the tournament and playing on Wednesday, Oct. 30, against a to-be-decided team at a time yet to be determined. A loss or draw would end ISU's season.

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Players Mentioned

Isabella Agrusso

Jocelyn Bice

Chloe Broughton

Olivia Edwards

Morgan Furmaniak

Avery Gillahan

Avery Horner

Regan John

Magdalena Keck

Seulgi Lee

Lauren McConnell

Hannah Shaw

Sophia Thomas

Adelaide Wolfe

Ella Zimmerman

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics