POCATELLO, Idaho - The University of Idaho scored early, then held tough later on in a 2-1 win at Idaho State to open the 2010 Governor's Cup and give the Vandals a head-start on defending their Cup title.

"It was a real battle - we expected a tough game and that's what it was," Idaho head coach Pete Showler said.

Idaho moves to 2-2-0 with the win, while Idaho State goes to 2-2-1.

Sophomore Megan Lopez got the scoring started for Idaho at the 10:37 mark with a nifty strike to the left corner off a dish from Jill Flockhart, then Chelsea Small added the game-winner 12 minutes later after turning a breakaway into a one-on-one attempt with ISU's keeper and tapping it in for her 10th career goal.

"Jill crossed it to her (Megan) and she had a one-touch finish that was just beautiful," Showler said of the goals. "Chelsea dribbled the ball for about 40 yards in a one-v-one with a defender that was just great to watch."

Idaho's offense came out firing to open the game and saw it pay off on the scoreboard. Both teams attempted 14 shots, but the Vandals had 10 on-target attempts, compared to just five for the Bengals. While nursing a one-goal lead in the second half, the Idaho back line allowed ISU just two shots on goal.

"I was very proud of them today because we battled hard and we played good soccer when we had possession," Showler said. "The combination of the two won us the game."

Small, a preseason all-WAC pick, led all players with seven shots, six of which were on goal. Freshman Breanna Wilson added two more on-target shots and three total attempts. Junior goalkeeper Liz Boyden gave up one goal and grabbed four saves in 90 minutes.

The win is Idaho's third-straight over the Bengals, and gives the Vandals a leg up in the race for state supremacy. ISU will play Boise State on Sunday and Idaho and BSU will face off on Oct. 24 at Boise to determine which team takes intrastate bragging rights.

"They threw everything in the mixer, but we dealt with it," Showler said. "We took care of business today and that was pleasing."

Idaho will play Utah Valley on Sunday. The Wolverines come into the game with momentum after beating Boise State 1-0 in the early game on Friday.

"I know we'll have our hands full and they'll be pumped after beating Boise, but we'll just have to go out with the same attitude we had today and keep after it," Showler said of UVU.