Sept. 8, 2005
Box Score
Pocatello, ID--Natalie Graham scored on a penalty kick and Lacey Pearson put in a score off a corner kick as Idaho State scored two first half goals to defeat Utah Valley State 2-0 Thursday evening at Davis Field.
With the win, Idaho State moves to 1-4-0 on the season, while Utah Valley falls to 0-3-0.
"It's a great credit to our team the way they battled against Utah Valley's attack," said ISU head coach Mark Salisbury. "We're excited about the win and want to use it as the foundation to get better."
Idaho State struck in the 20th minute when a foul inside the box gave Graham ISU's first penalty kick of the season. The sophomore forward put it over the head of Utah Valley keeper Jessica Clement for the score.
The Bengals scored 16 minutes later in the 36th minute when Kilee Quigley sent an ISU corner kick into the box to Chelsea Cox, who one touched the ball to Pearson for her first collegiate goal.
"It felt good," said the Pocatello native Pearson. "I haven't scored a goal for a long time and it was a credit to our team for getting me the ball. It was a nice corner kick and pass to leave me open for the goal."
Pearson led the Bengals with three shots on the day, all of which were on goal. Jenny Ford, Jamie Hatfield, and Jana Davis each recorded a pair of shots for ISU, while Graham and Stephanie Anderson each tallied one.
Esther Toronto led the defensive attack for ISU, starting her first game since the 2003 season. The senior keeper recorded the shutout with a seven-save effort.
"I'm proud of Esther," Salisbury said. "She has battled back to get the start today and made some of the saves that we have been looking for all season. She was very impressive today."
The Idaho State defense kept the ball on ISU's side of the field for the majority of the game, allowing just five first half shots and eight more in the second.
Next up for Idaho State will be a showdown with in-state rival Idaho on Sunday. The Governor's Cup match will begin at 1 p.m. at Davis Field.
"I expect a very emotional game against Idaho," Salisbury said. "I think if we stay poised and work as hard as we did today we'll be alright. None of our players have ever been able to beat Idaho, and I know we'll be ready for the matchup."
