PULLMAN, Wash. – It's not often that Idaho soccer runs into a nationally ranked team, but the Vandals hung in with No. 17 Washington State on Thursday night, eventually falling 3-0 after a pair of goals in the final 20 minutes.
 
"Brilliant performance by our players.  To go up against the No. 17 team in the country on their home field, I think we frustrated them," said head coach Jeremy Clevenger.  "We played with them.  We knew we were going to defend a bit more than attack, and that's fine.  It's a great lesson for us, we can play with a team like this.  They capitalized on a few mistakes, and ultimately that was the difference, but overall I'm very happy with our performance."
 
WSU was quick out of the gate, getting its first opportunity in the opening minute.  The pressure continued, with the Cougars firing 12 shots in the first half alone.  WSU's break came in the 38^th minute, with Maegan O'Neill heading in a corner from inside the 6-yard box.
 
The Cougars would double their lead in the 71^st minute.  Morgan Weaver picked up the ball near the sideline, made a few moves and fired from just inside the 18.  The shot took a weird bounce in front, and managed to sneak just past Makayla Presgrave.  WSU added a third minutes later on a breakaway.
 
"That's their game.  They want to beat you 1-v-1, they're very good at it.  I think we started to get worn down there at the end and got beat 1-v-1.  Credit to them, they made great plays."
 
The Vandals found a few opportunities in the second half, with Hadley Sbrega, Kaysie Bruce and Myah Merino linking up on a number of occasions, but were unable to find the back of the net.
 
The Vandals are back home on Sunday to take on UC Riverside at 1 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome.
 
"I'd love to see a great crowd out.  We haven't had a home game in a while.  But I want to see us build off this performance.  To go toe-to-toe with the No. 17 team in the country, with some of the players they have, I just want us to build off of this confidence."
 
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.