Coming of a fantastic performance against Louisiana, the Vandals looked to continue their win streak against the 2-5-2 University of California Santa Barbara Gauchos.
The game started out slow with both teams having time on the ball and passing around the other. Idaho was more aggressive, pressing UCSB’s back line every time. All that pressure finally paid off, as in the 29th minute, junior forward Maddy Lasher picked the center back’s pocket, slid past her and riffled the ball into the bottom corner to give the Vandals the 1-0 lead and Lasher her third goal on the season.
The Vandals outshot UCSB five to three in the first half taking a 1-0 lead into halftime. Coming out of halftime, the Vandals showed why they haven’t given up a goal in 5 games as the stellar play of the back line held UCSB to only two shots on goal all game. Those two were saved by Freshman Kira Witte, adding another shut-out to her amazing freshman season.
The Vandals had to work for this one though as UCSB was an aggressive team that frustrated the Vandals. The Vandals committed eleven fouls to UCSB’s five, but they got it done, putting up their sixth shutout of the season. The 1-0 win moves their win streak to three, and shutout streak to five.
The Vandals improve to 5-1-1 on the season. They will host their last non-conference game against North Dakota State on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JaydenBarfuss10