MOSCOW, Idaho – Another day, another impressive defensive performance from the Vandals. Idaho (8-4-1, 4-0-0) took down Sacramento State (4-8-0, 2-2-0), 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at Guy Wicks Field, earning its fourth consecutive win. Junior Clara Gomez scored the game's lone goal, her first of the year.
“We challenge our players each week to be very organized,” said head coach Derek Pittman. “One of the biggest things we did coming into this season was improving our overall defense, including set pieces. I thought we got the better chances and I would've like to score another one, but we're proud of another shutout win.”
The defense continues to impress, earning its third consecutive shutout. In total, the team has now gone 303 minute without allowing a goal, going back to the Big Sky opener against Idaho State.
“I thought overall Amanda Poertner didn't have a whole, whole lot to do throughout the game, but when she was needed, she came up big and held everything cleanly,” Pittman said. “Even that one 1-v-1 that they got in behind, she came up with a big save. Really proud of Amanda, but also really proud of the whole team.”
The lone goal of the game came in the 39th minute. Josilyn Daggs took a shot from range that confused the Hornets' keeper, forcing her to make an awkward save that sent the ball straight down into a group of players. After it bounced around for a moment, Gomez pounced and finished for her first career goal.
A back-and-forth game, the bench was key for the Vandals' success, providing fresh legs when needed.
“To be able to have the depth that we have on our roster, to call on for five minutes here or 10 minutes there,” said Pittman. “All of these subs that are coming off the bench for us and giving us quality minutes contribute. Even the players that didn't get to play, they're training hard and preparing our starting group. The overall roster has been a huge positive for us.”
The Vandals are now 4-0 in Big Sky play and are tied with Eastern Washington for the league lead. It is just the second time in program history that Idaho has opened up conference play with four straight wins, with the first occurrence coming in 2010.
Idaho led in shots, 17-16. Poertner made eight saves, a new career high. The game got a little chippy, especially in the second half. Five yellow cards were handed out on the day.
Next up, the Vandals host Montana on Sunday, October 11, at 1 p.m. Check back with GoVandals.com as the game gets closer for more information.
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.
