FARGO, N.D. – The Idaho Vandals (1-0) defeated North Dakota State University (0-1), 1-0, to open the 2021 season on Thursday evening. Margo Schoesler scored the goal for the Vandals.  

The Vandals took control from kick off, holding most of the possession, and getting the first shot of the game off in the fifth minute. While the Bison forced a save from keeper Avrie Fox in the 13th minute, much of the action in the first half was in Idaho's attacking third. In the 37th minute, a foul in the box gave the Vandals a prime opportunity, and Margo Schoesler smashed the ball into the back of the net from the spot to put the visitors up, 1-0.

NDSU got off the first shot in the second half, but the Vandals settled back into the game and kept the Bison off the scoreboard. The defense was challenged by NDSU, facing four shots in the period, but ultimately Idaho was able to keep the clean sheet and secure the 1-0 victory to begin the season with a win.  

The Vandals outshot the Bison, 14-6, including a 6-3 margin in shots on goal. Maddy Lasher led the team with three shots, while eight other Vandals tallied an attempt. Margo Schoesler, who had two goals last season, scored the only goal of the game. Avrie Fox (1-0) played all 90 minutes, making two saves while recording the shutout. Abby Wilkinson (0-1) took the loss for NDSU, making five saves while allowing one goal in 90 minutes.

Four Vandals – Leiden Huber, Tara Oper, Mia Zubiate, and Katelyn Sok – all played their first minutes in a Vandal uniform. Huber and Oper each tallied a shot.

JEREMY CLEVENGER QUOTE: "This was a great way to start our season. I thought the team battled through a lot of adversity tonight. NDSU is a tough team to play at home. I thought we came together as a team tonight to get the result."

NEXT UP: The Vandals will remain in North Dakota to play the University of North Dakota on Sunday, August 22. The game in Grand Forks is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. pacific time.

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, @Vandal_Soccer, and Instagram, @VandalsSoccer, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Women's Soccer.