Idaho State soccer defeated Southern Utah University 3-2 Friday afternoon in Cedar City, Utah.
The Win snaps a losing streak that goes back to 2019 and shows the growth of the Idaho State soccer program.
“I’m absolutely delighted for the team,” remarked Head Coach Debs Brereton. “This win has been brewing for quite some time and to get our first conference win on the road against a tough SUU team is so rewarding. Everyone battled for the entire 90 minutes and I was so impressed how we showed a lot of resilience after going a goal down early on. McKayla made some huge saves to keep us in the game during the first half and we scored 3 great goals in the final 30 minutes of play to seal the victory. Morgen Fried had a solid game. She won almost all of her 1v1 duals and got forward to support so many of our attacks. I’m so happy for her and the back line for another solid performance.”
The Bengals started the first half on the defensive, after six amazing saves by McKayla Wetsel off of a ferocious SUU attack, the Thunderbirds were able to sneak one in off of a set piece in the 26th minute to take a 1-0 lead into the half.
After 15 minutes of scoreless action with both teams going back and forth in the start of the second half, the Orange and Black took control.
In the 60th minute, ISU freshman forward Deborah Pond drove to the box, but she wasn’t alone. Pond saw the opportunity and sent a quick pass to Gabby Warta who streaked forward and netted the ball in the bottom right side of the net and tying the match 1-1.
Knowing they had the advantage the Bengals continued to press their offense and continued to get looks at goal.
During one of these attacks, Payton Dion took the ball into the box. Rather than allow a goal, the Southern Utah team fouled Dion hard and a penalty kick was awarded to the Bengals.
As she has twice before, ISU defender Karlin Wurlitzer lined up for the kick. It was never in doubt and the ball found the back of the net giving the Bengals the 2-1 lead.
Finally having the lead for the first time in many matches, the Bengals didn’t relent and once again the Bengals pushed into the offensive zone.
ISU freshman Taylin Butterbaugh sent a cross that was picked up by Gabby Warta who then netted her second goal of match. Giving the Bengals a commanding 3-1 lead.
The thunderbirds were able to score once more before the end of the match, but the Bengal defense held firm and the Orange and Black ended the match with a 3-2 victory.
“Gabby Warta had a breakout performance with two gorgeous goals that she took so well and was unlucky not to get a hatrick,” continued Brereton. “Karlin was our anchor at the back and came up big time when she buried her penalty under a lot pressure to take the lead. Deb Pond, Taylin Butterbaugh and Peyton Dion dominated the midfield with authority that gave us a huge edge. Everyone was outstanding today. This was a total team win and we are looking forward to building upon it!”
Gabby Warta led the team with four shots, three on goal and two goals scored. Her two goals scored earns her a spot in the ISU record book for individual goals in a half. Taylin Butterbaugh also recorded two shots.
McKayla Wetsel had a career-night in goal for the Bengals. The Bengal Keeper faced 17 SUU shots and had a career-high 10 saves. It ties her for 16th all-time in the ISU record book.
The Bengals return to action Sunday, Oct. 10 as they head to Flagstaff to take on the Northern Arizona soccer team.
