MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho Soccer continued its strong start to the season in Saturday's home opener, defeating CSUN 1-0. The victory moved the Vandals to its first 2-0 start since 2021.
Makenna Stuart and Payton Oelkers connected in the lone goal of the match in the 25th minute. Stuart set up Oelkers beautifully for her first goal of the season and sole goal of the game, giving the Black and Gold an early advantage that held for the remainder of the match.
Idaho had control of the majority of attacks, out shooting CSUN 17-8, with 13 attempts on the frame as opposed to just two from the Matadors. The Vandals held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Idaho's offense generated seven shots in the first half, including five on goal. Oelkers broke through at the 24:09 mark, picking up her first goal of the season paired with Stuart's first assist.
The Vandals put pressure on CSUN's back line following halftime, firing 10 shots and forcing Matador goalkeeper, Hayden Mauldin, to make eight second-half saves. Northridge was limited to just two shots in the second half of the game as UI defended their one-goal advantage.
The Idaho defense kept its opponents off the scoreboard once again, after allowing only two shots on goal throughout the match. Both attempts were turned away as the Vandals secured their second consecutive shutout to start the 2026 season.
In the past two matches, the UI has outscored its opponents 4-0 after opening the year with a 3-0 road victory at Washington State on Wednesday and Saturday's 1-0 result over CSUN.
UP NEXT
Vandals travel to Hawaii to compete in the Outrigger Invitational. Idaho will face-off against Western Michigan on August 18th at 7 PM (4 PM HT), and Hawaii on August 22nd at 5 PM (2 PM HT)
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Idaho Soccer, follow the team on Instagram (@vandalssoccer), X (@vandal_soccer), and visit govandals.com
