Many of the shots taken by the Idaho soccer team Sunday afternoon were saved by the Portland State goal keeper. The Vandals took seven on goal but only managed to net one.
Regardless of the opportunities Idaho found itself in, there wasn’t much the team could muster. Not even junior Megan Goo’s game-tying goal sparked a comeback. Idaho surrendered the lead shortly after.
The Vandals dropped the contest 2-1, and if a game could describe the Vandals recent turmoil, it would be this one. Now, there is practically no margin for error with the season’s end nearing.
Three more games remain on the Idaho schedule, all against meaningful conference opponents. The Vandals have constantly proved their ability to compete, but it’s time to prove the team can finish.
Of all seven conference matchups, three have gone into overtime and none have been won by the Vandals. The team’s inability to close out conference opponents late is representative of its Big Sky fallout.
Weber State, Idaho State and Eastern Washington are Idaho’s next matchups. Wins against all three could jump Idaho to eighth place in the Big Sky standings.
Composure is necessary when making a late-season run. Although failing to tally a win over the weekend, the team’s composure has been evident.
Nearly every game, the Vandals battle to the very end. Most of their conference matchups have been decided by a single goal. Often times, the matchup has been decided late in the second half.
The ball is in Idaho’s court, and it’s time to start taking shots. The remainder of games on the Vandals schedule will determine the team’s postseason fate.
Zack Ozuna can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @OzunaZack21