POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State soccer battled all 90 before falling just short in a 2-1 loss to Dixie State Friday evening in Pocatello. The Bengals had a season high 13 shots, five of which were on goal.
The Trailblazers opened the scoring early when DSU snuck in a goal just 1:53 seconds into the match.
The two teams would battle for the remainder of the half with the Bengals outshooting the Blazers 6-5.
Kylee Atkins was in goal for the Bengals in the first half and recorded one save facing five DSU shots.
In the second half, Chelsea Radicia got her first look in goal for the Bengals. Facing seven shots in the second half, Radicia had two saves.
Being down 1-0, the Bengals didn't falter and continued to press the attack over and over. Deborah Pond had a great look at goal off of a Mackenzie Sinclair cross that just went off the top of the cross bar.
Pond would redeem herself just minutes later when in the 68th minute when she sent a rocket into the back of the net from 15m out.
The two teams continued to battle back and forth until DSU retook the lead in the 80th minute. The Bengals didn't give up and kept attacking hard until the final whistle sounded.
The Bengals showed their growing offensive strength and for the first time since Sept. 29, 2019 outshot their opponent.
Out of the 13 shots, Pond led the team with seven. Gabby Warta and Peyton Dion contributed two shots each. Taylin Butterbaugh and Aisley Allen also both recorded a shot for the Bengals.
The two teams tied in corners with three apiece and DSU had seven fouls to ISU's four.
The Bengals return to action Sunday, Sept. 5 at 11 am hosting the UC Davis Aggies at Davis Field in Pocatello.
Follow along at isubengals.com to keep up with the action and don't forget to follow the Bengals on social media at @IdahoStateSoccr
Gallery: (9-3-2021) Idaho State vs. Dixie State
