ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Vandal soccer team earned their first road win of the season, 1-0 over Utah Tech on Thursday night. Idaho improved to 2-1 on the season with their first shutout win of 2023.
To say that tonight's game was a battle would be an understatement. The Vandals fought through 90 minutes in the desert heat against the Trailblazers scoring the lone goal in the 77th minute. Kylie Hummel became the fifth Vandal to score this season on Margo Schoesler's second assist.
Kira Witte and the back line earned their first shutout of the season limiting Utah Tech to only one shot on goal. Witte is now one shutout behind No. 1 Liz Boyden on the Idaho all-time list with 14 shutouts in just two seasons of play.
The Vandals had the edge in the first half in terms of offensive opportunities, firing off nine shots while the Trailblazers only had two. Neither team had any quality chances in the final third as Idaho's shots trailed just wide of the net.
In the second half, Idaho came out strong dominating the run of play and creating chances in the final third. The Vandals once again sent nine shots toward the net while they limited the Trailblazers to three shots. The game became physical as both teams received cautions.
In the 77th minute, the tide turned and the Vandals were able to build out of the back leading to the game-winning goal. The drive started with Alyssa Peters on the outside right back where she found Schoesler on a diagonal ball across the field. Schoesler collected the ball and took on her defender 1v1. She baited her into going back, took a touch into space, and then sent the ball into the box to Hummel. Utah Tech's keeper came out to defend the cross, but Hummel got their first and redirected the cross with her head into the near side of the net.
The game ended soon after and the Vandals left Greater Zion Stadium with their first road win of the season. Idaho will travel to Las Vegas on Sunday to face UNLV with hopes of continuing their win streak.
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