ISU Soccer Falls to Montana 2-1

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POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State soccer team fell to visiting Montana 2-1 Friday evening in front of almost 500 at Davis Field. Idaho State is still searching for its first conference win with three matches left in the season.

The Bengals struggled in the first half to control the ball and consequently were fighting off multiple advances from the Griz during the first 45. Montana outshot Idaho State 9-3 in the first half and was able to convert early, scoring in the 2nd minute to take a 1-0 lead. Sophomore forward Maria Sanchez was able to break free a few times for two shots including one on goal, but the 2nd-leading scorer in the nation wasn't able to convert. ISU headed into halftime facing a 1-0 deficit.

The Bengals used their entire allotted time during the break and returned to the field just as the clock struck zero. ISU was reinvigorated to start the second half, but a minor breakdown in the 54th minute led to Montana's second goal.

ISU regrouped and recharged, maintaining possession and controlling the ball. The Bengals strategically attacked the Griz, running down loose balls in UM territory and forcing corner kicks as the Bengals recorded a season-high 13 corners. Those opportunities paid off as sophomore defender Kayla Mizo snuck in for a header off the loose ball from freshman midfielder Tristan Spooner in the 85th minute for her first career goal.

The remaining five minutes were a whirlwind of sprints and mini-battles for loose balls. Despite a few last-ditch efforts, ISU was unable to score the game-tying goal to send it to overtime and fell 2-1 to the visiting Griz.

"Today was not our best day," said Head Coach Allison Gibson. "This season has showed us every obstacle imaginable...some we have overcome, others we have not. These kids continue to fight and word toward playing for something bigger than themselves. Most days we have done that but today was not one of those days."

ISU heads out on the road next week to Northern Arizona Oct. 23 in Flagstaff, Ariz. and then to Southern Utah Oct. 25 in Cedar City, Utah for its final road matches of the season.