CHENEY, Wash. – The Idaho women's soccer team (5-4-0, 5-2-0 BSC) extended its winning streak to five games with a 2-0 defeat at Eastern Washington (3-3-2, 2-1-2 BSC) on Friday afternoon. Maddy Lasher and Myah Merino scored the goals for the Vandals.

The Vandals got the first two shots off, but the Eagles took the next seven. The Idaho defense, however, stood firm, keeping the home side off the scoreboard. In the 36th minute, Maddie Haas challenged for the ball in front of goal, taking the keeper out of the play and leaving Lasher to run on to the ball and hammer it home into the empty net. EWU pressed forward in the final minutes of the half, but the Vandals entered the break leading, 1-0.

Idaho came out in the second half looking to increase their lead and did just that in the 55th minute. When a cross come in front of the box, Jadyn Hanks had a touch which fell to Merino, who easily scored. Despite six corner kicks in the half, the strong Vandal defense kept the Eagles from breaking through. Ultimately, Idaho won the match, 2-0, for its fifth straight win and second consecutive shutout.

EWU outshot Idaho, 15-9, but each team had four shots on goal. Merino led the squad with four shots to go along with her goal. Avrie Fox (5-4-0) earned the win in goal for the Vandals. She made three saves in a scoreless 90 minutes to earn her second consecutive shutout. Kelsee Winston (3-2-2) took the loss for the Eagles. She made two saves while allowing two goals in 90 minutes.

NOTES

Merino's goal was her fourth of the year. She joins Kaysie Bruce with four goals to lead the Vandals and the Big Sky. Merino now has 14 career goals and sits in seventh place on the Vandals' all-time scoring list.

Lasher now has three goals this season.

The Vandals have won five straight games. The last time Idaho won at least five consecutive matches was in 2015 when the Vandals won nine straight en route to a Big Sky regular season title.

Idaho entered Sunday tied in the Big Sky for the most goals scored this year. With two goals today, the Vandals have 14 total this season, moving into first all by themselves.  

The Vandals have scored at least two goals in five straight games. The last time Idaho scored multiple goals in five consecutive games was 2015 (Oct. 11-25). The team has 16 goals on the year which leads the Big Sky.

Idaho has two consecutive shutouts and four total on the year.

JEREMY CLEVENGER QUOTES

"This was a great team win. I was very proud of how we stuck together as a team and figured out how to get the job done. We made our opportunities count on the attack and were fantastic in the defense once again."

NEXT UP: The Vandals and Eagles meet again on Sunday afternoon. The game, which is the final game of the regular season for Idaho, will kick off at noon.

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.