MOSCOW, Idaho – All winning streaks eventually must come to an end, with Idaho's home unbeaten streak being no different. The Vandals (1-2-1) battled for 90 minutes against Saint Mary's (2-2-0) on Sunday afternoon, but eventually fell 1-0, Idaho's first home loss in nearly three years.
"A tough loss here at home," said head coach
Derek Pittman. "I felt like we did some really good things at times, made a few good decisions and created a couple of chances in the first half. We did a little better in the second half, but ultimately we gave ourselves some self-inflicted wounds, made some poor decisions in some untimely moments that ultimately cost us."
Saint Mary's got on the board in the 37
th minute, with Hannah Diaz getting a deflection on a long pass from the Vandal back line before heading toward goal. Idaho's
Makayla Presgrave did a great job of cutting off the angle on net, but Diaz's shot narrowly squeaked in with the help of the crossbar.
Idaho was more aggressive on the offensive end than it had been on Friday night, forcing the Saint Mary's keeper to make seven saves.
Olivia Baggerly took four shots on the day, with two on target.
Bridget Daley fired twice, with both forcing Saint Mary's goalkeeper, Sarah Sawatsky, to make the saves.
The Vandals were without starting left back
Claire Johnson, who was serving her one game suspension following a pair of yellow cards on Friday night. Idaho used redshirt freshman
Rebecca Buratto in her place, with Buratto making her first collegiate appearance.
The loss is Idaho's first at home since October 17, 2014. The unbeaten streak was the second longest in the nation, behind Florida State, lasting more than 1,000 days.
Next up, the Vandals host Hawaii on Friday night in the Dome. Check back with GoVandals.com during the week for more information on how to follow the action live.
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.