Jenna Larson
Idaho State University Sports Information
POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State soccer team finished its season with a 1-1 double-overtime draw against visiting Weber State Friday afternoon at Davis Field. The match marked the Bengals final game of the 2017 season, and the final career game for five Idaho State seniors: Sami Rodriquez, Danielle Snook, Baylee Smithson, Jennifer McCaw and Shawna Hennings.
“These kids define the word fight,” Head Coach Allison Gibson said. “I’m so proud of them.”
Idaho State (3-14-1, 2-7-1 BSC) fell victim to another early goal as Weber State (3-12-3, 2-5-3 BSC) scored in under 10 minutes from the initial whistle. WSU’s Morgan Quarnberg rebounded Madison Garlock’s shot off the crossbar to score the early goal. The Wildcats outshot the Bengals 14-4 in the opening period, and Idaho State was unable to score the equalizer before halftime.
In the second half, the Bengals took control, taking 16 shots to WSU’s seven in addition to seven corner kicks. Yet it was not until the 86:54 mark that Idaho State was able to find the back of the net. Weber State was whistled for a foul inside the box that resulted in a penalty kick opportunity for the Bengals, the first this season. McCaw stepped up and sent the PK to the top right corner past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Sydnie Brough.
“It was funny, we had taken PKs the day before in practice, and they were joking like, ‘I’m going to fall in the box and you’re going to score the goal,'” McCaw said. “So I just had it in my head that they believed in me. That’s kind of what I needed.”
Neither squad was able to score in the final three minutes sending the game to overtime. Both squads were able to fire off a few shots in the extra periods, six for WSU and four for ISU, but once again, neither team was able to convert the game-winner. As time expired, the result was a double-overtime tie.
“I’m just so proud of them,” Gibson said. “They just fought so hard, and I really wish they could have gotten the win, but with all the young talent and for someone like Jenny who is the cornerstone of this program to step up…I’m so happy for her.”
Idaho State closes its season with a 3-14-1 overall record and a 2-7-1 mark in Big Sky Conference play.
