Bengals get the best of @UNCBearsSoccer with 6-2 win

Sunday, October 2

Pocatello, ID

1:00 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

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Idaho State University

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Northern Colorado

Idaho State

10/2/2016 3:40:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Thomas Hoffman, uncbears.com

Pocatello, Idaho – The Bears were back in action Sunday, making their final stop in Idaho before returning to Greeley. It wasn't the Bears day, however, as they fell to the Bengals, 6-2.

How it Happened
The Bengals kicked off the game with a couple of shots from Nunez and Kortekaas, but the Bears defense stood the test early, countering with two blocks and a save from Madeline Burdick.

In the 18^th minute, the Bears earned a corner kick. Jacqui Pulley found an open look, her shot deflected off a Bengal defender, leaving Maddie Roberts with an open lane, which she used to bury her first goal of the season.

Only 10 minutes later, Brooke Braden made a dash for end line and sent in a ball, looking like a cross, that snuck past ISU keeper, Shawna Hennings for the Bears second goal of the game, giving UNC the early 2-0 advantage.

The Bengals responded with a vengeance.

Michaela Diderickson place a perfect cross for Meaghan Bare who go the Bengals on the board for the first time in the afternoon. With that goal in hand, the Bengals keept the pressure on.

Nikolina Musto scored unassisted in the 36^th minute and a pair of goals from Michaela Diderickson in the 37^th and 43^rdminutes, gave ISU four unanswered goals and the 4-2 lead at the half.

The Bears did not go quietly out of Pocatello, however, coming out in the second half with renewed energy and purpose.

Despite loading the box with numerous defenders, UNC sent forward scoring chances from Sydney Schroeder and Brooke Braden.

As the Bears did their best to find two equalizing goals, their defense stood tall as well, turning away three shots.

In the 64^th minute, lightning encroached too close to Davis Field and each team was given a 30 minute break.

Coming out of the delay, Idaho State seemed determined to repeat what they had done in the first half.

Esmarelda Nunez made it 5-2 in the 80^th minute and Nikolina Musto gave the Bengals their sixth goal only five minutes later.

The Bears didn't give up, though, earning chances in the game's final minutes with shots from Brooke Braden and Kassy Castillo, both of which were turned aside.

Key Stat
Shots on goal – Idaho State led the category by a margin of 13 to eight.

Most Valuable Bear
Maddie Roberts – Scored her first goal of the season.

In Their Words
Tim Barrera, Head Coach
"It wasn't our day today. We played well for the first 30 minutes and then gave up a couple of opportunities that swung the momentum back in their favor."

"In the second half, we were trying to take some risks and get those goals back. Unfortunately, we got caught a couple of times."

"We're looking forward to straightening up some things in practice this week as we prepare for our conference home opener."

Notables
-Maddie Roberts scored her first goal of the season to go along with the three assists she has already collected.
-Brooke Braden now has four goals on the season.
-Olivia Seddon recorded a career-high, three shots in a single game.
-The Bears earned five corner kicks compared to Idaho State's four.
-For the second game in a row, Northern Colorado committed less fouls than its opponent.

Up Next
The Bears finally return home to Jackson Stadium on Friday, October 7, to face the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. All games a Jackson Stadium are free and open to the public.