NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – The Vandal women's soccer team defeated Cal State University Northridge on Thursday afternoon, 2-1.
Margo Schoesler and
Karli Yoshida-Williams scored for Idaho, improving their 2024 season record to 2-1.
Idaho kicked off on a sunny day in California, facing CSUN for the second season in a row on the same pitch. The Matadors started early creating corner kick opportunities, but their chances fell short until the 25
th minute. The Vandals gave up a penalty kick after an accidental handball in the box for the second consecutive game this season. CSUN stepped up and converted the penalty, taking their first lead of the season.
Five minutes later,
Margo Schoesler made her mark on the game scoring her first goal this year. The scoring drive started with
Hannah Alfaro-Black in the midfield as she dished a diagonal ball out to
Kyla Tucker on the right-hand side. Tucker gathered the ball and sent in a low cross into the 18-yard box. With a fortunate deflection, the ball landed in front of Schoesler who had a very comfortable amount of time to step up and place the shot into the far right side of the net. The assist from Tucker marked the first of her career.
The Vandals came out with a new fire in the second half, gaining the lead in the 54
th minute.
Annika Farley fired off a shot from long range, hitting the top crossbar. While the Matadors' keeper attempted to get back to her feet,
Karli Yoshida-Williams cleaned up the rebound, scoring her first goal of the season and second of her career. Farley earned an assist on the ricocheted shot, tallying her first of the season.
In the following minutes, Idaho kept up the pressure with two close shots from Schoesler and Alfaro-Black. Later on, in the 78
th minute, Farley had another shot meet the top post, this time off a saved header by the Matadors' keeper. The Vandals continued to press but could not find another goal and walked away with the road victory.
Idaho returns to the Palouse to take on state-line rivals, Washington State. The game will take place on Sunday night at 7:00 pm on Lower Field in Pullman. Entry is free for local fans and will be streamed on ESPN+ for those who can't make it.
