BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – A furious second half comeback just wasn't enough on Sunday as Idaho (3-3-2) lost at CSU Bakersfield (3-5-1), 3-2, to close out non-conference play.
 
"We just didn't come out ready to play in the first half," said head coach Derek Pittman.  "Just relaxed, the wrong mentality and intensity that we need to have and that we expect from our players.  Credit to Bakersfield, they took advantage and capitalized to be up 2-0 at halftime."
 
The game-winner came on a free kick in the 86^th minute.  CSU Bakersfield's Sabrina Delgado sent in the free kick that found the head of Alexa Orrante inside the box.  She redirected the cross on frame and just past the outstretched hands of Torell Stewart.
 
Idaho had worked to level the score, after falling behind 2-0 in the first half.  The Vandals scored twice in less than one minute to tie the game midway through the half.
 
"But I'm proud of our players for being able to comeback in the second half and fight back and get two goals to equalize," Pittman said.  "But even then we need to be able to see the job out.  We had enough chances to be able to go ahead and win the game in the second half and unfortunately we made some crucial errors at the end that led to the third and final goal.  We took a shot in the mouth today, but we'll pick ourselves back up and get ready to go for Big Sky play."
 
CSU Bakersfield got on the board in the third minute, with Delgado capitalizing on a bouncing ball inside the box.
 
The Runners doubled their lead in the 41^st minute on a penalty kick.  Stewart came off her line but was just a moment too late, crashing into the CSU Bakersfield forward and earning a yellow card.  Delgado would finish from the spot, sliding it just past the outstretched Stewart.
 
The Vandals cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 64^th minute with a penalty kick goal from Elexis Schlossarek.  Morgan Crosby found Myah Merino cutting toward the corner of the box.  Merino took one touch into the box and was then crushed by the Runners' defender, earning the penalty kick.
 
Idaho would level the score just 37 seconds later, with Kavita Battan netting her second of the season.  Schlossarek was involved once again, finding Battan down the right side who handled the rest herself.
 
"We just need to make sure we play with the proper amount of intensity," said Pittman.  "The enthusiasm and intensity need to be higher.  Our mentality will have to be better going into Montana because they're playing really well right now and we need to be able to match that.  There's a certain level of intensity that goes with how we play and that was missing today."
 
Big Sky play begins on Friday with a trip to Montana.  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.