CHENEY, Wash. – A tough minute stretch midway through the first half was enough to lift Eastern Washington (3-1-1) over Idaho (2-3-0), 2-1, on Monday afternoon in non-conference action.
“We started the game with promise, obviously created a couple of chances,” said head coach Derek Pittman. “We should have put at least one of them away. But we're learning our lessons, we have to put those chances away.”
Eastern Washington got on the board in the 24th minute off a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. The Eagles ran a set play, with Chloe Williams receiving the pass just inside the box and handling the rest herself. The Eagles would double their lead just over one minute later.
“Then we had the momentary lapse on the set piece and then one minute later on the counter attack,” Pittman said. “We dug ourselves a hole that we couldn't get out of.”
Battan cut the lead to 2-1 in the 61st minute with her first goal of 2015. Battan picked up the ball inside the 18-yard box and eluded the defense before firing in the goal. The Vandals had another tremendous opportunity just one minute later, with a shot coming off the crossbar and the rebound from Gomez going straight into the keeper's hands.
“I'm really proud of our team and the way they responded in the second half,” said Pittman. “But again, we can't put ourselves in that kind of hole. We'll learn from it.”
Idaho's best chance in the first half came early. Elexis Schlossarek picked out Kavita Battan, who was making a tremendous run down the right flank. Battan fired in a low cross that stayed just behind the retreating defense and found the feet of Clara Gomez. Gomez tried to slot in a shot back across the goal, but hit the post. Olivia Baggerly picked up the rebound, but skied her shot over the net.
Next up the Vandals travel to Memphis, Tenn., to take on Arkansas State and Memphis. Check back with GoVandals.com for more information as the games get closer.
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.
