OMAHA, Neb. — Iowa State opened the 2026 women’s soccer season on a winning note Wednesday night, using Danica Lunceford’s first collegiate goal and a strong defensive effort to earn a 1-0 road victory over Omaha at Caniglia Field.
The victory gave the Cyclones a result in their season opener for the fourth consecutive year and moved Iowa State to 1-0 on the young season.
Neither team recorded a shot during the opening 20 minutes before Iowa State began generating pressure through a series of corner kicks.
That pressure paid off at the 22:53 mark.
Lunceford, a transfer from San Francisco, headed home a deflection following an Iowa State corner to give the Cyclones a 1-0 advantage. It marked both the first goal and first game-winning goal of Lunceford’s collegiate career.
Iowa State took control from there, holding Omaha without a single shot during the opening 45 minutes. The Cyclones went into halftime with a 7-0 advantage in shots and a 6-0 edge in corner kicks.
Omaha became more dangerous after the break, but the Iowa State defense refused to surrender the equalizer.
The Mavericks produced all six of their shot attempts during the second half. Their best opportunities included a shot from Jasmyn Brown in the 68th minute and an attempt by Nora Johnson in the 87th minute, but the Cyclones kept Omaha off the scoreboard.
Omaha pushed forward during the closing minutes and fired three shots in the final three minutes, but Iowa State survived the late pressure to secure the shutout.
The Cyclones finished with a 12-6 advantage in shots, including a 4-2 edge in shots on goal, while earning nine corner kicks to Omaha’s three.
Lunceford led Iowa State with three shots, including two on goal. Regan John and Breezie Brewer each added two shots.
Goalkeeper Eme McClenahan played all 90 minutes for Iowa State and earned the second clean sheet of her collegiate career in only her second college appearance.
Maia Soulis and Lunceford were the only Iowa State field players to go the full 90 minutes.
Former Cyclone Cadence Fagan started in goal for Omaha in her first collegiate match. Fagan recorded three saves while allowing the lone Iowa State goal.
Iowa State coach Matt Fannon was pleased with how his team handled the opener.
“We were great tonight,” Fannon said. “It looked a lot like a first match of the season, but we controlled it well.”
The Cyclones will return to action Sunday, Aug. 16, for their home opener against Kansas City. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. The match will also serve as Senior Night, with five Iowa State players to be honored following the contest.
Admission is free and the match will be streamed on ESPN+.