MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho soccer opened the 2026 regular season in impressive fashion Wednesday night, scoring three goals in the first 10 minutes to defeat Washington State, 3-0, in Pullman.
This shut-out victory marked just the second win over Washington State in program history and gave the Vandals an assertive victory over their regional rival.
The Vandals wasted no time getting on the board. Not even two minutes into the match, Calli Chiarelli found the back of the net for the Vandals' first goal of the 2026 season. Georgia Whitehead and Miranda Goldner connected to setting Chiarelli up and giving Idaho an energetic 1-0 advantage.
Less than four minutes later, the Black and Gold scored again. Hallie Prinos-Grumbach doubled the lead in the fifth minute from Alyssa Hamilton and Goldner, giving Goldner her second assist of the night.
Idaho's dominant start continued in the 10th minute. Hamilton craved more following her assist on the second goal, which led to her own goal at the 9:41 mark. Hamilton wrapped up the scoring with a header from Prinos-Grumbach, giving the Vandals a mighty 3-0 advantage.
Three goals. Ten minutes. An unforgettable start to the season for Idaho.
Winning the battle of the Palouse carried additional weight for the program with ten former Montana players following first-year Cougar head coach Chris Citowicki to Pullman during the offseason. While Wednesday marked the beginning of a new era for Washington State soccer, there was nothing new about it for the Vandals, who recognized much of the personnel and system waiting for them in Pullman.
Idaho saw many of those players in the semifinals of the 2025 Big Sky Tournament, when Montana ended the Vandals', postseason play before going on to claim the championship title. Wednesday's meeting gave UI an early-season opportunity against a familiar opponent, and this time, the Vandals gave their message loud and clear.
After building an early advantage, Idaho's defense fought hard to ensure it was cemented.
The Vandals held the Cougars scoreless over the remaining 80 minutes, limiting the WSU to 10 total shots and just three shots on goal. UI outshot Washington State 15-10, including a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal.
The Idaho's back line kept Washington State from recording a shot on goal in the second half as Idaho ensured a shut-out.
Several players made an impact offensively for the Vandals. Chiarelli scored the first goal of the season, while Prinos-Grumbach and Hamilton each recorded their first goals and assists within 5 minutes of each other. Whitehead contributed with an assist and Goldner finished the game with two.
The 3-0 result gives Idaho its second victory over Washington State in program history and sends the Vandals into the 2026 campaign with a commanding road win.
UP NEXT
Idaho's home opener against CSUN is this Saturday, at 6 PM in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Idaho Soccer, follow the team on Instagram (@vandalssoccer), X (@vandal_soccer), and visit govandals.com
