LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Vandals women's soccer team closed out the weekend road trip with a 1-0 win over UNLV on Sunday afternoon. Idaho improved to 3-1 on the season and 2-0 on the road.
Idaho defeated the Rebels for the first time in the program's fourth clash. UNLV still has the edge, winning the first three meetings in series history.
Jayd Sprague scored the lone goal today in the 66th minute off a corner kick from Alyssa Peters and a deflected header from Annika Farley. Sprague leads the team with two goals and four points total. Both of Sprague's goals this season were started by Alyssa Peters on the right corner.
Kira Witte tallied another clean sheet on her record this weekend, recording a season-high of 11 saves against UNLV. Witte is now tied for first in Idaho history with 15 clean sheets. She joins Liz Boyden at No. 1 but achieved the feat in only 21 games.
The Vandals came out in the first half playing a step behind UNLV. The Rebels came out hot off the opening whistle, firing a shot at Witte in just 25 seconds. The Rebels dictated the pace of play for the majority of the opening 45 minutes as they recorded 15 shots while the Vandals were limited to only five. Most of the possession was held on Idaho's defensive side limiting Idaho's offensive chances.
In the second half, Idaho seemed to turn the tide as they started to take control of the match and dictate the pace of play. The Vandals fired off eight shots and earned three corners after having none in the first half. Both teams started to have dangerous chances, but their efforts were thwarted by skillful keepers and goalposts.
Idaho finally ended the scoring drought in the 66th minute thanks to Sprague. Peters sent in the corner from the right side into the madness of the box. Farley was able to contact the ball with her head. The Rebels' keeper dove to the side, keeping Farley's shot out of the net, but deflected it right to Sprague. Sprague finished it one-touch into the lower left corner.
The Rebels kept Idaho on their toes as they fought until the final whistle to find the equalizer. With today's win, Idaho is a perfect 2-0 on the road with their first two shutouts of the season.
The Vandals will be back in action on Thursday, August 31st at 6:00 p.m. PST in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
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