The Big Ten soccer season is finally here, meaning it’s time for contenders to separate themselves from pretenders.

No more playing teams from the Missouri Valley or Summit and Horizon Leagues.

The history-making Hawkeyes hope to continue their program-best 7-2 start. And they have a chance to tack on another win when Iowa face Minnesota in Minneapolis at 7 p.m. today.

The Hawkeyes know the Golden Gophers (6-2-1) will be their toughest test to date. But that has only raised expectations.

“I’m expecting a lot,” sophomore Morgan Showalter said. “Last year, it was a really physical, tough game. I’m expecting to take some hits in a Big Ten game, which I feel is different from playing in a nonconference game, because there is more of a rivalry going on between Minnesota and Iowa.”

Junior Jenna Aleo likened Minnesota to the No. 24-ranked Missouri team that Iowa lost to in its opener, 3-2, on a goal with 46 seconds left.

“We expect Minnesota to be real physical, a game like Missouri, at that level,” Aleo said. “So we’re going to have to go in and be tough and, hopefully, get another result in our first Big Ten game.”

Iowa head coach Ron Rainey said his team is ready to pick up the competition level. The Hawkeyes’ next goal is to make history again by qualifying for its first-ever NCAA Tournament.

The process starts with Minnesota, Rainey said.

Iowa trails 3-8-1 in the all-time series. The Golden Gophers captured a 1-0 win in Iowa City last season when they ranked No. 25.

Minnesota also won a share of the Big Ten championship last season and played in the NCAA Tourney for the first time in eight years.

Iowa has notched five shutouts so far this season, and there is some debate whether the Hawkeyes’ feat is the result of a lethal offensive attack or a stingy defense.

“I think it’s a combination of both,” Showalter said. “I mean, the offense has to put goals in the back of the net to make that number go up. But at the same time, the defense has to still stay strong in the back and keep balls from going in.”

Aleo agrees Iowa’s success comes from a mix of offense and defense.

“It’s a combination because the offense relieves some pressure from us by taking people on, tiring everyone out,” she said. “Then we just do our job in the back.”

The Hawkeyes lead the Big Ten in goals scored with 23 — three more than any other team. They also rank first in goals per game with a 2.56 average.

Iowa is second in points per game, averaging 7.22 with 65 total on the season. The five shutouts also ranked second.

Aleo accredited the gaudy statistics to focus and preparation.

“Just our willingness to work together and get better each week in practice, not taking anything for granted,” Aleo said. “We just work hard to get these results.”

Showalter’s said the team is tighter knit as well, both as friends and teammates.

“I think our chemistry, on and off the field, is the best it’s ever been,” she said. “Last year, it was pretty good. We had it off the field last year, but this year, it’s more on the field. Anyone can step on the field and not any of the level drops.”