BOISE, Idaho – The Vandals (2-2-0) dropped a closely fought match with Boise State (1-3-0), 1-0, today at the Boas Tennis and Soccer Complex.
“We needed to defend very well today,” said head coach Derek Pittman. “I thought our players really went out and executed. We played a nearly perfect first half. We wanted to be able to create off of our defensive organization. I thought we created the better chances overall in the first half.”
Boise State got on the board in the 60th minute, with Michelle Reed scoring her second goal of the season. The Broncos sent in a cross that bounced around in the box, before Reed gathered it and fired a shot into the upper right corner. The goal is the first that the Vandals have allowed in the second half of a game this season.
“We just weren't able to get it out of the box,” Pittman said. “The ball just bounced around and then fell to the feet of one of their more dangerous players. I thought we responded well from there. We stuck to the game plan and created chances, we just weren't fortunate enough to get the equalizer.”
The Vandals had plenty of chances, especially in the first half, but couldn't capitalize. The first came in the 19th minute, with Kayla Watanabe finding Kavita Battan with a nice flick-on, springing her toward the corner flag. Battan sent in a well-lofted cross, but no Vandal could get on the end of it for the finish. Just three minutes later Battan got a chance of her own to score, but her header from 12 yards out went just wide.
Idaho's best chance came in the 25th minute. Clara Gomez stole the ball from a Bronco defender about 35 yards from goal and slipped in a pass to Watanabe. Just the keeper stood between Watanabe and the goal, but the Bronco keeper was sound and made a solid save to keep the Vandals scoreless.
The Vandals had their chances in the second half as well, with Madison Moore firing a pair of shots off of long throw-ins from Josilyn Daggs. The first took a deflection on the way in, leading to a Vandal corner, while the second just narrowly missed the goal.
Boise State outshot Idaho 16-11, but the Vandals had six shots on goal, compared to just five for the Broncos. Goalkeeper Amanda Poertner made four saves on the day.
“The positive thing is we're creating chances,” said Pittman. “As we continue to improve, those chances will start becoming goals. I'm really proud with the way we were able to limit Boise State's chances today. We can build and learn from our performance today.”
The Vandals next take on Eastern Washington on Monday, September 7 at 3:30 p.m. in Cheney, Wash. Admission to the game is free. Check back for more information on Sunday.
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.
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