MOSCOW, Idaho – In their most complete game to date, the Vandals (2-1-0) took down the New Mexico State Aggies (0-3-0), 3-0, on Friday afternoon in front of a tremendous crowd at Guy Wicks Field.
Clara Gomez and Amanda Poertner led the way for the Vandals. Gomez played a role in all three goals, picking up an assist on each. Poertner was solid in net yet again, making a season-best seven saves and earning her first career shutout.
“I thought we started off with the energy and the enthusiasm that we needed,” said head coach Derek Pittman. “We hadn't had that in the first two games, we had started out flat. It was great to come out and get two early goals and keep the pressure on New Mexico State. That third goal, ultimately, was the nail in the coffin and it really helped us settle down and end the game the right way. I'm really proud of the team for earning the shutout.”
Olivia Baggerly got the scoring started in the 20th minute with her first goal of 2015. Kavita Battan found Gomez who picked out Baggerly in the box. Baggerly was poised with the ball and found the back of the net to get the Vandals on the board.
Kayla Watanabe joined in on the scoring in the 26th minute, flicking-on a pass from Gomez. Elexis Schlossarek got the play started, finding Gomez on a free kick.
The Vandals added some insurance in the 77th minute, with Kaitlyn Joy scoring her first career goal. Gomez worked the ball to Baggerly, who slotted Joy in behind the Aggie's defense. Joy did the rest and picked out the left side to put the Vandals up 3-0.
The Aggies weren't without chances, as Poertner was called on to make several key saves. None seemed bigger than her back-to-back saves on a flurry in front of the net in the 58th minute, keeping the Aggies scoreless.
“That was huge,” Pittman said. “Just to stay in it, and not lose focus. But that's why she's back there, to back her team up. I'm really proud of her.”
The Vandals are now 11-6-1 in home openers in program history. Today's win snaps a two-game skid in home openers. The Vandals are now 5-1-1 all-time against NMSU, and have won four straight in the series.
Idaho next faces in-state rival Boise State on Friday night in Boise. 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.
