PULLMAN, Wash – The Idaho Vandals (0-2) fell, 3-0, to No. 19-ranked Washington State (3-0) in the second and final nonconference match for the Vandals on Friday evening.
The nationally ranked Cougars started the game on the front foot, getting off three shots in the first four minutes. In the 24th minute, the Vandals had a counterattack and
Myah Merino tallied the first shot for the Vandals, missing to the right of the frame. In the 44th minute WSU broke through, taking the 1-0 advantage on a Mykiaa Minniss goal.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were a midfield battle, with neither team able to grab a foothold.
Avrie Fox made two saves on Elyse Bennett in the 67th and 68th minutes to keep the score where it was. However, in the 77th minute Bennett was able to double the Cougs lead.
Maddie Haas got a dangerous shot off in the 87th minute, but WSU responded with their third goal in the 89th minute. In the final seconds of the game,
Maddy Lasher forced a save from WSU keeper Marissa Zucchetto, and the home side secured the 3-0 victory.
WSU outshot Idaho, 18-5. Four of the Vandals shots were in the second half. Merino led the Vandals with two shots while Lasher had the lone shot on goal for Idaho. Junior goalkeeper
Avrie Fox (0-2) took the loss for the Vandals. She made five saves in the game.
QUOTES - Jeremy Clevenger: "I'm extremely proud of the team and their performance tonight. We have a lot of respect for Washington State. They have a lot of dangerous attacking players and I thought we did a good job neutralizing them. This will make us a stronger team and more prepared for conference."
NEXT UP: The Vandals will begin Big Sky Conference play when they host Montana for a pair of games on March 12 and March 14 in the Kibbie Dome.
To stay current on all Vandal Athletics visit
GoVandals.com, or follow the Vandals on Twitter, @Idaho_Vandals.
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.
