MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho could not hold off in-state rival Boise State in a 2-0 loss Friday evening at Guy Wicks Field.
The Broncos (2-1-2) found the net early in the game with a cross from Kelli Drobney, finding Brooke Heidemann who shot the ball off the cross bar before it found its way into the goal. Drobney added an assist on the Broncos second goal of the half, helping Shannon Schueren clip the ball over keeper Torell Stewart's head into the back of the net.
“Our players played from the opening whistle to the very end,” head coach Derek Pittman said. “We made some tactical errors in the game which Boise State ultimately punished us for. They are a very good team that posses the ball well and moves the ball well. They are tough to defend, but I thought we got a better hold of it.”
The Vandals found their rhythm entering the second half. Junior JP Burgess had an opportunity on net in the 52nd minute, firing the ball towards BSU keeper Jannell Flores who made a diving one-handed save to avoid the goal.
“The most important thing is that we are at least getting in goal scoring opportunities,” Pittman said. “The last three games we have barely mustered a shot on goal, the fact that we were able to get into those position is very important.”
Stewart kept the score intact in the 61st minute, making an acrobatic save on Boise State's Drobney. Stewart's well time leap knocked the shot up and over the cross bar, deniying the Broncos.
Boise State outshot the Vandals, 18-6, although the Vandals lead at half with a 5-4 edge. Sophormore Elexis Schlossarek and freshman Chloe Bell led the Vandals with two shots a piece over the game. Schlossarek also added one shot on goal. Stewart made three saves over her 90 minutes in goal.
With a total attendance count of 603 at the game today, the Vandal soccer team set a new school record at Guy Wicks Field.
Idaho is back in action next weekend at Moraga, Calif., as they take on St. Mary's Friday at 1:30 p.m. PT. The Vandals return home Sunday to faceoff against Washington State at 4 p.m. PT.
