MOSCOW, Idaho – The Vandals (4-4-0) finally returned home after a long stretch away from Guy Wicks Field to take down South Dakota (2-7-0), 4-1, on Friday afternoon.
“It was definitely a total team effort, we did well and we got a bunch of goals,” said junior Alyssa Lloyd. “I think that there's still a lot we need to work on and push forward into the season. It's good getting the 4-1 win but we definitely need to keep going hard.”
The Vandals got the scoring started in the 29th minute, with Kavita Battan scoring her team-leading fourth of the season. Kayla Watanabe found Olivia Baggerly in the box to get the play started. Baggerly fired in a shot that was saved by the keeper, but Battan was there for the tap in.
Idaho would add to its lead in the 42nd minute after earning a corner. Clara Gomez sent in the corner, finding Baggerly at close range. Baggerly headed the ball toward the near post, where Lloyd one-timed it into the net, putting Idaho up 2-0.
Idaho's third goal came in the 54th minute after a beautiful string of passes. Baggerly picked out Lloyd who sent in a quick ball to Chloe Bell. Bell could have ripped a shot, but instead sent a ball across the box to Elexis Schlossarek who placed a great shot into the back of the net.
South Dakota responded just 30 seconds later, with Taylor Nivala heading in a cross just out of Amanda Poertner's reach. The goal is just the third goal that the Vandals have allowed in the second half or later this season.
Idaho got one more, in the 89th minute on another corner kick. Gomez sent in the cross that found Lloyd streaking toward the near post yet again. Lloyd capitalized with another one-timer for her second of the game.
Idaho outshot South Dakota on the day, 18-9, including 9-2 in shots-on-goal.
Next up, the Vandals host Seattle U. in their final non-conference game of the regular season. Check back with GoVandals.com for complete coverage.
“They [Seattle] didn't play on Friday, so they're going to come out hard,” said Lloyd. “We just need to make sure we're ready and focused and play a full 90 minutes. That's the most important thing, from the very beginning to the end we need to come out and play hard and get the win.”
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.
