MISSOULA, Mont. – An offensive explosion in the second half lifted Idaho (1-0-0) over the Indiana State Sycamores (0-1-0), 3-1, on Friday afternoon. The Vandals dominated possession all afternoon, outshooting the Sycamores 20-5.
“We had a nervy start and we were trying to play too cute at times, but after the first 10 minutes we settled in and created a lot of chances,” said head coach Derek Pittman. “At halftime we didn't even talk about the goal and focused on what we needed to do to finish our chances. We were able to press Indiana State into mistakes and get behind their back line the whole game, so we made adjustments and ultimately we finished our chances to win the game.”
The Sycamores took the lead early, with Sydney Loesing heading in a cross in the third minute. However, the Vandals kept to their gameplan and battled back in the second half.
Freshman Kayla Watanabe tied the game at one early in the second half with her first collegiate goal. Watanabe picked up the ball around midfield off a pass from Olivia Baggerly and did the rest herself, beating two defenders and tucking the ball inside the left post.
Elexis Schlossarek gave the Vandals the lead in the 69th minute, converting from the penalty marker. Kavita Battan drew the foul after cutting in on the right side of the box.
Reagan Quigley joined in on the scoring in the 76th minute. Quigley took in a nifty pass from Megan Goo and then beat the keeper to secure the 3-1 win.
This is the first win on opening day for the Vandals in nine years, when they defeated Gonzaga, 2-0, on the road to start 2007.
The Vandals peppered the Indiana State goalkeeper all afternoon, firing 10 shots on goal to Indiana State's two.
“I'm really proud of our entire team because they stuck together and to the game plan through adversity, which speaks volumes about our team spirit,” Pittman said. “Now we just need to recover and prepare for WSU.”
The Vandals return to the pitch on Sunday, when they make the short trip to Washington State to take on the Cougars at 7 p.m.
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.
