CEDAR CITY, Utah – A 40-second stretch late in the first half lifted Idaho (9-6-2, 6-1-1) past Southern Utah (2-14-1, 1-6-1), 2-0, on Friday afternoon. The win puts the Vandals in position to take the Big Sky Regular Season title with a win on Sunday, while the SUU loss eliminates the Thunderbirds from postseason contention.
"It was just a good performance," said head coach
Jeremy Clevenger. "To get two goals, against a good team that has some dangerous forwards, and more importantly, keep a shutout, I was very happy. I don't think we were quite clicking on all cylinders, but we got it done."
The Vandals struck first through the air, with
Kelly Dopke heading in
Morgan Crosby's corner for her third goal of the season.
Idaho wasted no time doubling its lead, with
Myah Merino firing from outside the top of the box just 40 seconds later.
The defense continued its exceptional play, picking up its fourth consecutive shutout. The Vandals hadn't had a four-game shutout streak since the 2001 season.
"It starts from the top," Clevenger said. "We have to give our forwards and midfielders credit for how they press up top. Then, our back line has just been organized and solid all year. And Mak's playing at a very high level right now."
UPDATE: The Vandals need to take care of business on Sunday at Northern Arizona to win the Big Sky Regular Season Championship. NAU slips to fourth in the conference standings, and would need help from Portland State against Northern Colorado to earn a bye in Ogden.
"I just want us to come out and be the team we can be," Clevenger added. "I don't want us to worry about a championship, I just want us to put the best performance in. I'm very excited for this opportunity to play for a championship."
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.
