Haley Harrison
Idaho State soccer fell to New Mexico State 2-1 in a close match on Sept. 1 in Boise, Idaho.
Idaho State was aggressive with a season-high 17 shots and season-high 10 on goal.
The match remained scoreless throughout the first half. The Bengals put up eight shots vs. New Mexico State’s 13.
“I’m very proud of the effort the team put forth today after battling double OT on Friday,” Head Coach Debs Brereton said. “We started the game well and had a few chances in the first half to take the lead.”
The Aggies scored within three minutes of the second half and were able to put up another to gain a 2-0 lead. With 12 minutes left in the match senior Paige Smith put the Bengals on the board with a goal assisted by senior midfielder Makena Bambei.
“Conceding another goal so early in the second half is definitely an area we must improve,” Brereton said. “Nevertheless, the players were ruthless out of possession, Rachel Brownell played with such tenacity and really helped set the tone for us defensively and from that we were able to take the game to New Mexico State. Their goalkeeper made some great saves that kept us at bay, it is only a matter of time before we start converting those chances. Paige Smith has brilliant timing and bravery to give us all huge lift and I feel we are unlucky to walk away without a result.”
Bambei recorded five shots with three on goal and one assist in the match. Junior Lauren McGahie and freshman Caitlin Gerrard each had three shots with one on goal. Senior Natasha Camacho-Bier and senior Esmeralda Nunez each recorded two shots with two on goal.
Senior goalkeeper Katie Hogarth matched her season-high five saves.
“Jaz Lopez made her first appearance after returning from her ACL and she had a tremendous positive impact doing a great job creating some very good chances for us,” Brereton said. “Another tough lesson but we are getting better with each game. These players are doing everything I’m asking of them and for that, I cannot be more excited and hopeful that we will continue to move onwards and upwards.”
The Bengals return home to host Boise State on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. on the ICCU Practice Field outside of Holt Arena. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids, and free for ISU students.
