Idaho played a double-header Saturday, losing to Boise State 0-3, before turning around and defeating Northwest Nazarene University 2-1.
The Vandals had a quick turnaround from their last matchup with the BSU Broncos, where they lost by a score of 1-2.
Idaho opened the game slow, going down by two early in the first half.
“We didn’t start the game well and it just snowballed from there,” Idaho Head Coach Derek Pittman said. “But after that we really settled in and started to create some chances.”
Idaho was able to start to turn things around, becoming more aggressive on the offensive end and creating more opportunities to score as the first half went on to try and cut into the two-score deficit.
“We had several opportunities right before half, but we just couldn’t find the finishing touch that we needed in order to crawl back into it,” Pittman said.
Idaho came out more settled and ready for the second half, much improved from the start of the game. The Vandals continued to push the offense, trying to find the back of the net to cut into the lead, but this ultimately backfired, leading to the Broncos scoring and taking the three-goal lead.
“Although the result was definitely not what we wanted, there were some bright spots and moments that we were really pleased with how the team did. We just lacked consistency in the game,” Pittman said.
Then as soon as one game ended, another began. The next challenge was against the NNU Nighthawks. The Vandals were able to find their groove early in the first half, carrying over the built-up momentum from the previous game, scoring in the first five minutes by junior Morgan Crosby. Crosby was able to chip the ball over the keeper off of a rebound shot, giving the Vandals a quick 1-0 lead.
Idaho would go on to have more chances at increasing the lead, but were unable to capitalize for much of the first half.
With halftime nearing, Crosby gathered the ball on the left side of the pitch and worked it back right, getting past defenders and connecting on a strike that found the back of the net, giving Idaho, a two-goal lead going into half.
As the second half played out, the Vandals had to overcome the obstacle of playing back-to-back games, and fatigue began to set in, leading to uncharacteristic mistakes. Idaho allowed only one goal during the match and coming out with a win to close out the busy day.
“I am very proud of our players for picking themselves up in the second game,” Pittman said.
The Vandals will play North Idaho College Saturday 12 p.m. April 28 in the Kibbie Dome.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected]