Coach Fannon Previews the 2025 Season

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State's 2025-26 athletics calendar is set to officially get underway this Thursday. The Cyclone soccer program will host Portland State on August 14 to kick off the ISU sports season in a contest that is set to start at 6 p.m. at the Cyclone Soccer Complex.

ISU soccer coach Matt Fannon will enter his sixth year at the helm of the program in 2025, with hopes of earning a top-eight finish and qualifying for the Big 12 Soccer Championship. Fannon, whose team set a program record with six ties last season, is looking to get over the edge and find the one percent difference that helps win games.

Coach Fannon's 2025 team features 15 newcomers (five freshmen and ten transfers) with 11 returners. The staff is high on its supplemental pieces and how well they complement the core returners, led by captains Ella Zimmerman and Lauren Hernandez.

Getting Over the Hump
After securing the team's most wins since 2016 in 2023, ISU saw its win total slide down to three in 2024 as it earned a program-high six draws. Fannon asked his staff, "How do we get that one percent? That one percent difference that helps decide games."

Though the team has a strong culture in place, Fannon said improving it with accountability is at the top of his list. "People win by doing what's right by the program," said Fannon. "By putting the team first, by doing whatever it takes to get over the line, by taking care of all the details every time, by having that consistency, by most importantly holding each other to account."

How does accountability improve? Well, Fannon has a strong core of returners to rely on. Captains Herandez and Zimmerman have the ear of the team, while Fannon also expects newcomers to come in and strengthen the culture. "We actively went and found some athletes with a little bite," said Fannon. He names both Michigan State transfer Cassidy Corcione and Charlotte transfer Erin Hopewell as players who will bring it in-game and on the practice field.

Another way to improve upon the last season is to have a strong preseason and start. Both of which Fannon feels his team has had. "This has been one of, if not the best, preseason I've had as a coach because of the energy and effort the girls have brought day in and day out," said Fannon.

Fannon mentions that this squad takes coaching really well and has shown to correct mistakes quickly in practice. "It's been a really impressive camp from everybody."

Assessing the Roster
Heading into the offseason, the Cyclones were tasked with replacing 15 athletes, five of whom were already accounted for in the freshman class. With ten remaining spots to fill, Fannon and his staff hit the portal and brought in five Power 4 players, which he hopes can help match the physicality of the Big 12.

In goal, Washington State transfer Musuai Isaia brings competition to the room as both she and Kasey Cannistraro are competing for a starting gig. Ole Miss transfer Gili Johnson played in 36 matches for the Rebels, making 14 starts and netting five goals. Transfers Taylor Spitzer, Allison Charleston and Erin Hopewell bring loads of experience to the team and will each push for a starting role.

Also new to the team are five freshmen, a group in which Fannon is very high on. "We've got a very strong freshman group," said Fannon. Wingers Sophie Forrester and Megan Walters have flashed in practice, and each started in the exhibition against Omaha. "They're molding in the right direction, and they have been on it in training."

Not to be forgotten, ISU returns five goal-scorers from last season, led by seniors Sophia Thomas and Chloe Broughton, who each had four points. Fellow seniors Ella Ciardullo and Isabella Agrusso are part of a core that leads by example and helps exhibit "leadership across the board."

Assessing the Staff
Assistant Coach Jeff Parker returns to the bench, while new hires Jaycie Ackerman and Seth Junion were added to the fold over the summer. "Boy, did we get it right with those two," said Fannon.

Fannon mentions the relatability of both as major strong points with the athletes. "Jaycie, she's been there, done that in the NWSL. She's someone who not only commands respect but can connect with them a bit more deeply as they strive to go pro."

Junion was tabbed as the team's Soccer Development Coordinator and Goalkeepers Coach, while Ackerman joined Parker as an assistant coach. "They both have the personality to not necessarily be friends with the players, but to connect in a way that helps better the team's culture and accountability."

Players Mentioned

Isabella Agrusso

Chloe Broughton

Kasey Cannistraro

Allison Charleston

Ella Ciardullo

Cassidy Corcione

Sophie Forrester

Lauren Hernandez

Erin Hopewell

Musuai Isaia

Gili Johnson

Taylor Spitzer

Sophia Thomas

Megan Walters

Ella Zimmerman

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