MOSCOW, Idaho – It was a birthday to remember for Idaho goalkeeper Paula Flores, as the senior recorded her 21st career shutout on her 21st birthday to become the program's all-time leader in clean sheets, helping the Vandals secure a 1-0 road victory over South Dakota on Thursday night.
Flores entered the match tied atop the Idaho record book with 20 career shutouts after the Vandals' win over CSU Bakersfield. The goalkeeper made the record her own Thursday, making two saves to keep the Coyotes off the board.
While Flores made history on the defensive end, Alyssa Hamilton contributed to the win offensively, scoring the sole goal of the match. Hamilton finished the night with two shots, both on frame.
The Vandals were active in the attack throughout the night, finishing with a 17-15 advantage in total shots and putting four attempts on goal. Georgia Whitehead led Idaho with a game-high six shots, while Mirabella Bickham, Mia Boltz, Hamilton and Calli Chiarelli each had two.
Idaho's defense held strong despite South Dakota generating 15 attempts. The Vandals held the Coyotes to just two shots on goal, with Flores turning away both opportunities to secure the record.
South Dakota continued to push for a tie into the final moments, recording a blocked attempt with a mere 17 seconds remaining before Sam Luft sent South Dakota's final chance off target with three seconds left. Idaho's defense weathered the late pressure to close out the road victory.
In addition to the birthday girl, Paula Flores, Idaho received full 90-minute performances from Miranda Goldner, Sara Rodgers and Izzy Thoma as the Vandals secured their fourth victory of the season and improved to 4-1-1 record on the season.
UP NEXT
The Vandals remain in South Dakota to take on South Dakota State on Sunday at 11 a.m. to close out the two-match road trip.
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