MOSCOW, Idaho — Georgia Whitehead scored in the 16th minute, and Annika Farley added a late insurance goal to lead Idaho past UC Riverside 2-0 in the women's soccer season opener for both teams Thursday night at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
 
Whitehead, a Washington State transfer, broke through early for the Vandals (1-0) with her first goal of the season and her first in an Idaho uniform.
 
Tori Peters intercepted a pass from a highlander around midfield and sent a clean ball to Whitehead streaking down the sideline. She drove into the box and punched the ball past the goalkeeper for the early 1-0 lead.
 
The match was a back-and-forth battle for much of the game, but Idaho settled in and dominated the final few minutes.
 
A foul just outside the box set up Peters for the free kick, which was placed perfectly for the Farley header on the far post. She scored her first goal of the season and sealed the victory in the 86th minute.
 
Idaho outshot the Highlanders 10-3 and held a 7-4 edge in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Paula Flores made two saves to earn the shutout, the first of the season and ninth of her career.
 
The win gives the Vandals momentum as Idaho heads on the road for its next three games, including a match Sunday at 1 p.m. against the University of Washington at Husky Soccer field in Seattle.