After a 5-1 thrashing victory on Thursday, the Idaho women’s soccer team looked to sweep the California road trip. However, the Vandals were unable to get any offense going as they lost 1-0 to the University of California Santa Barbra.
The game began slow for both teams, but Idaho started to gain momentum toward the middle of the half. Despite dictating possession and mostly having the ball in UCSB’s half, the Vandals could not put the ball in the back of the net. The teams went into the locker room tied 0-0.
The Vandals had four shots, one on goal, while the Gauchos only had one shot and none on goal in the half.
Idaho started the second half well with pressure but could still not crack the goose egg on the scoreboard. UCSB, however, was able to find the back of the net.
Sixty minutes of hard-fought soccer finally led to the first and only goal of the game. A cross into the box by UCSB came in between two defenders and sophomore goalkeeper Kira Witte. Sophomore forward Haley Phillips controlled the ball and put it into the open net to give the Gauchos the lead 1-0.
Idaho put the pressure back on but could not respond to the goal. Idaho lost composure, began misplacing passes and gave away a lot of chances to tie the game.
The stout Gauchos’ defense held the Vandals for the final 30 minutes to win 1-0. The loss drops the Vandals to 4-2-1.
Aside from two games this season where the Vandals scored eight of their 12 goals, their offense has been inconsistent. It will be key for the Vandals offense to get back on track before conference play gets going.
Idaho will look to get back on track and back in the win column when it travels to the Lone Star State to take on University of Texas El Paso in its final non-conference game on Sept. 14.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected] or on X @JaydenBarfuss10