MOSCOW, Idaho – The Idaho women's soccer team (3-4-0, 3-2-0 BSC) scored in the 89th minute to defeat Sacramento State (1-1-4, 0-1-2 BSC), 2-1, on Friday evening. Margo Schoesler and Myah Merino scored for the Vandals who snapped the Hornet's 22-game regular season unbeaten streak.

The match was end-to-end, with the Vandals recording the first three shots of the game, but the Hornets responding with two consecutive shots on goal. Despite a combined 16 shots in the first half, the two teams entered the break scoreless.

The second half started out much the same. However, in the 57th minute, Hannah Alfaro was driving down the right flank. As she cut in to make a move towards goal, she was brought down in the box, earning a penalty kick. Margo Schoesler calmly converted the shot, putting Idaho up, 1-0. Just 10 minutes later, the Hornets earned a penalty of their own, and Aubrey Goodwill slotted it home to tie things up, 1-1, in the 67th minute. In the 89th minute, Maddie Haas had the ball in the middle of the pitch. Myah Merino was streaking up the field on the left flank and Haas played her the ball. Merino shot on her first touch, beating the keeper and one defender and scoring the game winner.

Idaho and Sacramento State each had 14 shots, with the Hornets recording seven on goal and the Vandals tallying five SOG. Kaysie Bruce had a team high five shots. Avrie Fox (3-4-0) earned the win in goal for the Vandals. She made six saves in 90 minutes while allowing one goal. Aaliyah Fesili (1-1-4) took the loss for the Hornets. She made three saves while allowing two goals in 90 minutes.

NOTES
Merino's goal was the third of the year and she now has 13 career goals which moves her into a tie for seventh on the Vandals' all-time scoring list. She has now scored in three consecutive games. Merino now has four game winning goals in her career.

Schoesler's goal was the first of her career. Six different Vandals have now scored this season.

The Vandals have now won three straight games. The last time Idaho won three consecutive matches was in October 2018.

Sacramento State entered Friday's match unbeaten in 22 straight regular season games. The last time the Hornets lost in the regular season was the opening game of the 2019 season.

The game featured both the Big Sky Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week from last week. Vandal Kaysie Bruce won the Offensive award following her four-game performance against Portland State. Hornet goalkeeper Fesili was named Defensive Player of the Week for the conference after Sac State tied, 0-0, with Eastern Washington in both games.

JEREMY CLEVENGER QUOTES

NEXT UP: The Vandals and Hornets will meet again on Sunday, March 28. The game will kick off at noon in the Kibbie Dome. Hadley Sbrega will be honored postgame for Senior Day.

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.