Sept. 12, 2003
Box Score
Pocatello, ID--Walker Loseno and Natalie Hardin scored goals less than 11 minutes apart in the first half and Gonzaga University held Idaho State at bay from there, posting a surprising 2-1 victory over the Bengals Friday afternoon in women's soccer action at Davis Field.
The game started out impressively for the Bengals, who controlled play throughout the first 15 minutes, finally capitalizing in the 10 minute. Heather Jones brought the ball up the middle of the field, then found Shawna Park at the top of the goal box. Park found a wide-open Chantal Kim on the right side, who dribbled, then smacked a perfect ball that arched over the goalkeeper into the far corner for a 1-0 ISU lead.
The goal was the Bengals first of the season in the first half of play, after eight second half goals. Jones picked up her fifth assist of the season in just four games on the play. The goal was the first for Kim, a freshman from Littleton, CO.
"We came out well, really put Gonzaga on their heels," ISU coach Gordon Henderson said. "But you have to give credit to Gonzaga, they came back well."
The Bulldogs started to take control after the 15-minute mark, using strong passing to start putting pressure on the Bengal defense. In the 26th minute the pressure paid off. Beth Drollinger took a ball on the left side and crossed to a cutting Walker Loseno, who one-touched into the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1. Just 10:24 later the Bulldogs struck again. On a nearly identical play to the first goal, Annie Hawkins found Natalie Hardin cutting to the goal and Hardin put the ball in the upper right past ISU keeper Shannon Boyle for a 2-1 Bulldog lead.
That was where the score would stay. ISU came out aggressively in the second half and controlled play, keeping the ball on the GU side of the field most of the period, but they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Shawna Park had a golden opportunity when she had a shot from 10 feet out, but couldn't get a good foot on the ball and dribbled to keeper Ashley Haugen. Kim had a chance at another goal, but her shot from 15 feet sailed wide.
"It was one heck of a college soccer game," Henderson said. "Both sides played well, it was a high level of soccer in tough conditions. We pretty much controlled the second half. I thought we solved some of our possession game problems that we had in the first half. I'm disappointed with the loss, but I don't think you can be disappointed with the effort of the team. I have to compliment both teams on three quality goals."
Idaho dropped to 3-1 on the season with the loss, while Gonzaga improved to 2-2. The Bengals will take on Idaho, who defeated Boise State 2-1 Friday, for the Governor's Cup on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at Davis Field.
