The Idaho women’s soccer club fell to the Washington State soccer club 0-5 Sunday.
The loss extends the club’s record to 0-8 overall and 0-6 in league play. The club has two more chances to notch its first victory of the season Nov. 5 at Washington State when it faces the Cougars and the Gonzaga soccer club.
Coach Brittany Shepherd said some members of the team were under the weather and others had injuries, but was confident going into the match.
“When we play a team as evenly matched with us as WSU, our expectations are always a little higher. Granted we did not have a full team nor a healthy team, which definitely played a part,” Shepherd said.
Idaho started slow, as the defense encountered an onslaught of shots by Washington State that banged continuously off the side of the net. The Cougars found the back of the net three times during the first half.
Idaho got a few chances at the goal, but suffered from the same problem they have had all season long — going into halftime scoreless.
“We had many opportunities and controlled the midfield most of the game,” Shepherd said. “Our biggest problem amounted from the fact that we haven’t been an offensive team most of the year and when we get in their third, it’s almost a surprise to us and we panic.”
As the second half began, Idaho tried to control passing in midfield. The defense also tightened up and WSU put up only two goals in the second half, but Idaho struggled to keep its momentum. As the second half wore on, injuries and illness affected Idaho’s offense.
Shepherd remained positive despite the outcome.
“With the exception of the last 20 minutes of the game, my girls played exceptionally well given the circumstances,” Shepherd said. “I have very few criticisms about the game, but am always hoping that everyone takes something away from it to apply to our next game.”