Despite going down early, the Cyclones came back with a vengeance to dominate Kishwaukee College on Aug. 25.

The Kougars women's soccer program is new this year, so the Cyclones were unsure what to expect. Within the first three minutes, a mistake in the back forced the Cyclones to foul and give up a free kick on a solid shot. Down 1-0, they continued to press and play well, but struggled to find the back of the net to tie the game. Newcomer Mairead Ruane came in at the 15-minute mark and made an immediate impact. She scored the first two goals within three minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Cyclones added three more in the first half to go up 5-1. After doubling the score in the second half, Moraine Valley won the matchup 10-1.

"We stressed the importance of not giving up another goal in the second half and they responded as they did not have a single shot or sniff on goal," said head Coach Al Palar. "Overall, it was most important to get the result. I'm very happy with the way we moved the ball as well. There are definitely some things to work on before we get into conference games, but it's a good starting point."

Ruane, Karen Montoya and Brooke Janeczek each scored twice, Iris Cruz, Patricia Rzadkosz, Xochiquetzal Torres-Montez, and Yesi Perez each scored one. Rzadkosz had three assists, Jasmine Quezada and Janeczek had two while Abby Tiemersma, Sylvia Kordaczka and Anna Kois each had one.

"I'm still upset about the goal we gave up early on in the game. In a different situation, a lack of concentration like that could cost us a game not just a goal. We played pretty well the entire time, were able to try a few different things out, and all 21 of our non-injured athletes played," Palar said. "We started last year out the same way. We went down 1-0 in our first game, came back to win that game and never trailed again during the regular season or regional playoffs. I hope this year is the same."