MOSCOW, Idaho – Vandal soccer fought another tough battle to its 4th home victory on the season, defeating Grand Canyon 1-0 Thursday night in an extremely physical contest.
Calli Chiarelli provided the difference for the Vandals, finding the back of the net just over five minutes into the match. The goal was Chiarelli's second of the season and provided Idaho an early advantage it would protect for the remaining 85 minutes.
The Vandals came out aggressive from the opening whistle and controlled much of the first half offensively. Idaho fired nine shots in the opening 45 minutes while limiting the Lopes to just two attempts. The Black and Gold carried the 1-0 advantage into the break.
The physicality picked up as the match progressed, with both sides battling for possession and neither team giving much space in the midfield. The two teams combined for 12 fouls, while Grand Canyon's Lia D'Afonseca received the only yellow card of the night with 6 minutes remaining.
The Lopes pushed forward looking for an equalizer in the second half, producing five shots after the break, but in true record holder fashion, Paula Flores refused to concede a goal, bringing her shutout count to 22.
Idaho finished with a 12-7 advantage in shots and placed four attempts on goal. The Vandals also held a 3-2 edge in corner kicks.
The clean sheet continued an impressive defensive stretch for Idaho, which has now posted four consecutive shutouts. Flores and the Vandal defense once again kept the opposition off the scoreboard, with Flores not needing to record a save as Grand Canyon made zero attempts on frame.
Chiarelli's early strike ultimately stood as the game-winner, allowing Idaho to close out the physical battle and earn another victory in front of 630 fans inside the Kibbie Dome.
Paula Flores Shutout Count: 22
UP NEXT
The Vandals hit the road for another two-game stretch against University of San Francisco on the 17th, and UC Davis on the 20th.
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