MOSCOW, Idaho—Alyssa Lloyd's header in the 51st minute got the Vandal scoring started and Clara Gomez netted the game winner helping, Idaho defeat Montana 3-1 Sunday at Guy Wicks Field. Idaho improves to 5-0-0 in conference play and 9-4-1 on the season. The win marks Idaho's fifth-straight, its best streak since 2010.
The two sides played to a scoreless first half, continuing Idaho's shutout streak to three and half games. Both teams tallied five total shots in the first 45 minutes. Idaho, playing against the win in the first period, trailed Montana in shots on goal, 3-2.
“We knew we would have to be patient in the first half against the wind,” head coach Derek Pittman explained. “We knew we would have to defend well and we did. In the second half we wanted to come out flying from the opening kickoff.”
The Vandals opened the second half with a shot from center, setting the tone for an aggressive second half. Josilyn Daggs sent the ball into the goal box off a throw-in from the near sideline. Lloyd was able to get her head above the defenders and sneak the ball past Kailey Norman for her fourth goal of the season.
The Silver and Gold continued to pressure the Montana defense. Idaho again found the back of the net five minutes after Lloyd's tally. Kayla Watanabe found Kavita Battan in the defensive zone and Battan sent the ball up to a streaking Gomez across midfield. Gomez took the ball in on goal and fired a shot from 20 yards out that beat Norman just below the crossbar.
“A great set-piece goal from Josie and Alyssa got us off to the right start in the second half,” Pittman added. “We knew that we were going to have chances in transition. We told Clara when she picks up a ball like that to not be afraid to shoot. She picked her head up and had an excellent finish.”
Montana (5-8-2, 2-3-1) cut the Vandal lead in half in the 69th minute. Jenna Castillo took a cross from Mackenzie Atkins and got enough of her head on it to push it past Amanda Poertner. The Vandals got the two-goal lead back 10 minutes later with Battan placing the ball just inside the left-far post to secure the win.
Battan's goal, her seventh of the year, moves her into a tie with Sari Morrison for ninth on the single-season scoring list. She also matches Jennifer Hull with 12 career-goals, good for fifth all-time. Gomez's assist on the final goal ties her with Katie Baran for third on the single-season list with eight.
Poertner again stood strong in net, making four saves on the day. The Griz goal in the 69th minute was the first goal allowed by Poertner and the Vandal defense in 372 minutes.
The Vandals finish of the current four-game home stand on Friday, Oct. 16 when Southern Utah comes to town.
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho soccer by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsSoccer, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Women's Soccer.
For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com. Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.
