SEATTLE, Wash. – Kayla Watanabe was the hero on Thursday night, scoring Idaho's first overtime goal in nearly eight years to give the Vandals (3-4-1) the 3-2 win over Seattle U (2-3-2).
 
The Vandals needed to come back twice on the night, leveling the score in the 86^th minute to force the extra frame.  Seattle U helped Idaho out, with Leahi Manthei taking her second yellow card of the night in the 87^th minute after leveling Natalie Fischer.
 
"We came out a little slow in the first half, and credit to Seattle U for jumping on us and getting the early goal," said head coach Jeremy Clevenger.  "But we came out in the second half and started to play a little more aggressive, started to play our way, and we were able to equalize with a set piece goal.  Seattle U came back to score another and go up, but our players just battled back to find that second goal and took advantage of a great moment in overtime."
 
Idaho took all of the momentum into the overtime period.  The Vandals scored just over two minutes in.  Fischer sent in a cross that got deflected, and Watanabe was there for the header on the doorstep.  Watanabe's goal ends a streak of 29 overtime games without a goal for the Vandals, dating back to the 2010 season.
 
"That was the talk, we had to take advantage of the red card," Clevenger said.  "And they knew it.  They smelled blood in the water, so to speak.  It's just a credit to them for battling all night to get back in the game against a very good Seattle U team."
 
The Redhawks jumped out to the early lead, scoring on a cross in the 18^th minute.  Kayleigh Frederick was able to level the score in the 54^th, burying a rebound from inside the 6 after a corner.  Kaysie Bruce deserves credit on the play as well, as her header kept the play alive after a scramble out front.
 
There was no time to relax for the Vandals, as the Redhawks retook the lead in the 64^th minute.  Idaho turned to its other centerback in the 86^th minute.  Kelly Dopke was able to level the score, finishing after the long throw from Josilyn Daggs.
 
"Any time you have players of their ability in the air, they're a threat," Clevenger added.  "We send them up there on set pieces and corners, and long throws, for a reason.  And it was just an unbelievable job by two seniors to get us back in the game in two critical moments."
 
The Vandals close out non-conference play on Sunday at Oregon.
 
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.