@UNCBearsSoccer falls to Vandals, 2-0

Friday, September 30

Moscow, ID

4:00 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

6-4-1, 1-1-0

University of Idaho

5-4-2, 2-1-0

Northern Colorado

Idaho

9/30/2016 7:20:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Thomas Hoffman, uncbears.com

Moscow, Idaho – The Bears were back on the pitch Friday afternoon in Idaho for their second Big Sky Conference game of 2016. A bevy of Idaho offensive attacks, however, left UNC empty-handed, falling 2-0 to the Vandals.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Vandals were off to a hot offense start, earning three shots in the first five minutes. However, goalkeeper Madeline Burdick and the Bears defense were there to withstand the attacks.

Momentum began to turn back towards UNC's favor when they reached the end line, earning their first corner kick of the game. Both Maddie Roberts and Brooke Braden took shots that reached the Vandal goalkeeper Torell Stewart, but each were turned aside.

Idaho pushed back with another keen effort. By the end of the first half, Idaho would tally 10 total shots. However, only three of them reached Burdick, who made the saves.

Sophomore Midfielder Mariel Gutierrez found a bit of rhythm towards the end of the half, eyeing two shots, both on goal, but again Stewart was there as the Vandals last stand.

The Vandals kicked off the second half in much of the same manner as the first, planting numerous shots toward Burdick and the Bears defense.

In the 56^th minute, off a rebound, Megan Goo found the back of the net for the Vandals, giving Idaho the 1-0 advantage. Only two minutes later, Emma Eddy got the best of Burdick and the Vandal lead climbed to two.

The Bears countered with shots from Olivia Seddon and Anika Shelrud. Both, however, were unable to best the Vandal net minder.

Even a Jaqui Pulley shot off a Brooke Braden cross couldn't find the net in the game's final moments, giving the Bears their first loss in Big Sky play this season.

KEY STAT
Shots – Northern Colorado was outshot by margin of 20 to nine.

MOST VALUABLE BEAR
Mariel Gutierrez - Three shots, two on goal

NOTABLES
-Mariel Gutierrez recorded a team-high three shots, two of them on goal.
-The Bears picked up four corner kicks, compared to Idaho's two.
-Two freshmen, Anika Shelrud and Olivia Seddon, recorded one shot a piece
-After missing two games, forward Thalia Kusulas returned to play 25 minutes

UP NEXT
The Bears continue their Idaho two-step as they travel to Pocatello to take on the Bengals. They'll return home on October 7 to face Southern Utah. All games at Jackson Stadium are free and open to the public.