Jenna Larson
Idaho State University Sports Information
POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to visiting Portland State on a dreary October afternoon at Davis Field. Sunday’s match was the most physical this season as there were 24 total fouls and five yellow cards accessed during the course of the game.
“Unfortunately, we came out flat,” said Head Coach Allison Gibson. “For whatever reason, Sunday games are so hard to play. I told them, there’s no way you can play one half of soccer in conference games. Unfortunately, it took us a whole half to get there.”
Portland State (5-6-0, 2-1-0 BSC) came out strong in the opening minutes, firing off three shots in the first five minutes of the game. Idaho State (3-9-0, 2-2-0 BSC) handled the pressure and responded. Sophomore midfielder Makena Bambei connected for a header off a cross from senior Sami Rodriquez to score for the Bengals in the eighth minute. It was the first shot for the Bengals on the day.
The Vikings responded in the 24th minute with a goal from Ellie Vasey to score the game 1-all. Neither team was able to score in the final 21 minutes, leaving the Bengals with a 1-1 tie to start the second period.
The Bengals pressured the Vikings hard in the second period with a 14-5 edge in shots in the half, but the Vikings capitalized on their opportunities, scoring off a free kick in the 60th minute to pull ahead 2-1. Despite controlling the ball and weathering a flurry of yellow cards, Idaho State was unable to connect for a score in the final 30 minutes, giving the Vikings the 2-1 victory.
“I thought we played better in the second half, and we finally started to stick with the game plan,” Gibson said. “Overall for us, it really is the mentality piece. That’s what we’ve been trying to coach and trying to push through them.”
Idaho State was led by Bambei with four shots, one on goal with one goal scored in 90 minutes of play, while Michaela Didericksen added six shots, three on goal in 90 minutes of play. Rodriquez’s assist on Bambei’s goal was her second career assist.
Idaho State continues play Friday, Oct. 6 on the road with at Southern Utah. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
