DENVER, Colorado - The Idaho State soccer team finished up their first two matches of their 2024 campaign this weekend. Their first match was on Thursday, August 15
th at the pre-season #3 team in the Mountain West Conference, Colorado State, and their second was Sunday, August 18
th at the pre-season #1 team in the Summit League, the University of Denver.
In the match versus Colorado State the Rams would take it to the Bengals early. ISU being outshot by CSU 11-3 in the first half; however,
Trinity Hale would play sensational for the Bengals all game long, recording six total saves, five of which would come in the first half.
In the second half the defenses would step up for both sides, the Rams were still able to outshoot the Bengals, 8-5, but
Trinity Hale and the Bengal defense would lock down CSU the rest of the game and hold strong in a shutout 0-0 draw.
On Sunday afternoon the Bengals took on the University of Denver in Denver, CO. The first half would end with the score 0-0, and the Bengals being outshot by the Pioneers 3-11. In goal for the Bengals,
Trinity Hale would record two saves in the first half.
During the second half the Bengals would open the scoring, netting their first goal on the season in the 58
th minute. Freshman,
Paige Harris, would steal the Denver keeper's pass and drill a shot from just inside the right side of the 18-yard box through the keeper's hands, and would have just enough power to get over the line for the score. The Pioneers would have opportunities throughout the game, but
Trinity Hale and the Bengal defense would stand strong for the second match in a row to earn the shutout victory in Denver.
Head Coach,
Dustin Downey shared his thoughts on the team's opening slate of games, "School hasn't started yet, but we had some early tests! Playing CSU and Denver, on the road against two quality, respectable opponents who both received high praise in their respective conference preseason votes, offered some great adversity for our squad. We were challenged in both matches, but we were able to persevere as a team!
Our team unity and commitment is the best I've seen since I've been here. It's "WE Before ME" on the field, and it's paying dividends! While we were able to grind out a win & tie this weekend, our schedule doesn't get any weaker. We head to Boise State on Friday, which will be another tough match with some in-state pride on the line.
Some special recognition to
Trinity Hale for her outstanding performance between the pipes this weekend, keeping two clean sheets! Also, congrats to freshman
Paige Harris on her first collegiate goal. Lastly, a massive thank you and congrats goes to my staff and the rest of this team for their tremendously hard work and grit this weekend to get two positive results!"
Downey and his Bengals will return to the pitch on Friday, August 23
rd in Boise, ID where the Boise State Broncos will host the Bengals in their first match against one another since 2019. You can stream this match on the
Mountain West Network or follow along live with
LiveStats.
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