PORTLAND, Ore. - The University of Idaho women's soccer program took a huge step in the right direction with its first win of the 2005 season. An early goal from junior Eija Hodgin was all the Vandals (1-1-0) needed in a 1-0 defeat of Portland State (1-2-0) Friday night.
Hodgin's goal, the first of her career, came in the 15th minute of the game on an assist from junior Morgan Bunday, also the first of her career. Bunday slipped a pass to Hodgin who was streaking on the left side and beat the keeper into the top of the net for the game winner. Hodgin led the Vandals with three shots.
"It was a very scrappy game and not the prettiest at times, but the result is all that matters," Idaho head coach Pete Showler said. "I would rather not play up to our potential and win than play our best and lose. I am very pleased with the win and because it came against my old team who were the Big Sky Conference champions last season makes it all the sweeter."
Portland State held the tempo in the second half and had scoring opportunities with two breakaways, but could not convert on either attempt.
Idaho goalkeeper Lindsay Smith earned the third shutout of her career in the win and grabbed four saves. Idaho held Portland State to just four shots on goal for the game while managing five of its own. The Vandals held a 5-4 lead in shots in the first half, but ended the game trailing 10-8 in the category.
"They came at us and played a lot of long ball in the beginning, but we were able to adjust. As a team we really battled and the defense pushed forward to shorten the field. Lindsay played another great game in goal for us and although she didn't have to make the big saves she still does some tremendous things for us," Showler said.
Idaho will next head to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will match up with No. 22 Utah Sunday (Sept. 4) at noon.
