Sooners Host Cyclones Friday

NORMAN — The Oklahoma soccer team continues its homestand Friday night vs. Iowa State (1-3) at John Crain Field in Norman. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and the match can be watched on FOX Sports Oklahoma.

"Getting a good result and getting three points is paramount this week," said OU head coach Mark Carr. "That's been the message all week. We've had two games now and seen an upward trend so this week should be no different.

"We're playing on our home field, have to play on the front foot and attack. We need to make it uncomfortable for our opponent and we've really focused on that. We've had a good week of training and now it's about executing. We're going to be aggressive and go out there on the hunt for three points."

Sophomore Sakura Yoshida explained the importance of playing on the Sooners home field again this week.

"Last week was a great atmosphere so we just want to replicate that," said Yoshida. "We have some stuff we want to clean up from last week and we're going out there expecting to get a W."

GAMEDAY STORYLINES

MATCH BASICS

The Sooners return to the pitch Friday to face off against Iowa State. OU is chasing its first win following a slim season-opening loss to Texas, 0-1, and a 2-2 draw last week vs. Texas Tech.

The Sooners and Cyclones last met Oct. 17 last year, a 1-0 OU victory in Ames. Then-senior Kaylee Dao notched the only goal of the match in the 29th minute for her 13th goal of 2019. Goalie Nikki Panas made two saves on the night and posted her second shutout of the season.

The match will begin at 7 p.m. CT and is available to watch on FSOK with Chad McKee and Liz Luallin on the call. SoonerSports.tv analyst Megan McDonald will serve as the sideline reporter.

Due to limited seating capacity related to COVID-19 precautions, Oklahoma will not be selling season or single-game tickets for the 2020 soccer season. Home and visitor student-athletes will receive a limited number of complimentary tickets on a pass-list basis.

Those who receive tickets are required to follow CDC guidelines and wear masks at all times at John Crain Field. Gates will open one hour prior to competition time.

It is strongly suggested that those who will be in attendance at soccer games in 2020 be tested for COVID-19. Pass-list members showing any symptoms for COVID-19 should stay home as they will not be allowed inside the venue.

The University of Oklahoma enforces a clear-bag policy and walk-through metal detectors at all home athletics events. Review policies and prohibited items at SoonerSports.com/clearbags.

LOOK BACK

OU opened its home slate Oct. 2 at John Crain Field with a battle against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Sooners struck first with their first goal of the season off the foot of senior transfer Reagan Glisson. It was OU's first goal of 2020 and Glisson's first as a Sooner.

Following a Red Raider response to tie the game at one, senior Yuuka Kurosaki stepped up with a goal off a penalty kick set up by a foul drawn by junior Lauren Tovy. Kurosaki's goal gave the Sooners a 2-1 advantage heading into the final stages of the match. Texas Tech answered with the equalizer in the 89th minute off a header to send the contest to overtime.

Both teams were presented with opportunities in both overtime frames but were unable to get a golden goal.

Senior keeper Nikki Panas recorded an OU career-high eight saves on the night. Glisson led the OU charge with four shots, two on goal, including her one goal.

TEAM EFFORT

OU's 2020 squad has spread the wealth in terms of shots. 11 Sooners have taken a shot this season, with six Sooners registering shots on goal. Senior Reagan Glisson leads all Sooners with five shots and two on goal in the early season, with fellow transfer Bri Amos right behind Glisson with four shots (two SOG) of her own.

Carr's squad has seen contributions from freshmen and veterans alike. Freshman Cailey England has started both matches for the Sooners and shown plenty of effort, with three shots on the year. Fellow true freshmen CeCe Cross and Abby Mitchell have also provided sparks off the bench for OU.

Returning senior Yuuka Kurosaki registered her first goal of the season last week in her first action of 2020. Senior Erika Yost and junior Megan Reilly have also been proven contributors for OU, combining for four shots in the early stages of the year. Leading the sophomores on the pitch has been transfer Sakura Yoshida with a pair of shots and Maya McCutcheon with a trio of looks.

UP NEXT

The Sooners travel to Manhattan, Kan., Friday, Oct. 16 for a match vs. Kansas State. The match will air on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+ and is set for a 7 p.m. kick.

For updates and more information on Oklahoma Soccer, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_WSoccer) and like Oklahoma Soccer on Facebook.