FLAGSTAFF, Arizona - In a tense Big Sky road battle filled with yellow cards, late momentum shifts, and season-long milestones, Idaho State women's soccer clawed out a 2–2 draw at Northern Arizona Sunday afternoon, snapping a 12-match losing streak to the Lumberjacks and grabbing a crucial conference point down the stretch.
The Bengals (5-7-4, 2–3–2 BSC) came out swinging in the first half, scoring in the 13th minute when Isabella Winton buried her second goal of the season. The chance came off a driven cross from Saydree Cooke—her fifth assist of the year, tying her for ninth-most in a single season in Idaho State history, and a touch from Paige Harris.
"Isa Winton was big today," said Head Coach Dustin Downey. "She gave us the early lead, then transitioned to another spot on the field when we had to make positional adjustments. Same goes for team captain Mary Za, who was instrumental in helping us maintain composure."
NAU responded, netting goals in the 44th and 68th minutes to claim a 2–1 lead. But as they have done all season, Idaho State refused to fold.
"This team has continued to show battle and grit all season," Downey said. "Their willingness to compete for one another is what makes them special."
That collective resolve paid off in the 72nd minute when redshirt-freshman Madison Culp netted her first career goal, collecting a deflected ball in the box and sending home the equalizer.
"Maddy scored her goal and went down with an injury, and when I went out there the first thing she asked was, 'Did the goal count?!'" Downey recalled. "She was more worried about scoring for her team than about her injury."
The Bengals were outshot by the Lumberjacks 16-21, the Bengals did hold an 8–5 edge in shots on goal. Cooke played a key role once again, recording four shots (one on target), bringing her season totals to 46 shots (T-14th) and 20 shots on goal (T-16th) in program single-season history.
The match also featured nine yellow cards, including three issued to Idaho State in a contest that mirrored the emotional and physical weight of a postseason atmosphere.
"We had several players dealing with ailments today on arguably the toughest travel weekend of the conference," Downey added. "But we had some other players come off the bench and pick us up when their number was called. That was a big point for us in this crazy year across the Big Sky Conference standings."
Bengal Bites
-
Isabella Winton scored her second goal of the season in the 13th minute.
-
Madison Culp tallied her first career goal in the 72nd minute to equalize.
-
Saydree Cooke's assist was her fifth of the year, tied for 9th-most in a single season in ISU history.
-
Cooke now has 46 shots (T-14th) and 20 shots on goal (T-16th) in single-season program history.
-
Idaho State snapped a 12-match losing streak to NAU, earning their first positive result in the series since 2012.
-
The match featured nine yellow cards—three to ISU, six to NAU.
Next Up
Idaho State returns home for the final match of regular-season play, hosting Weber State on Sunday, Oct. 26th at 1 P.M. The Bengals will also celebrate their final home match of the season with Fan Appreciation Day.
Stay connected with Bengal Soccer all season long. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.
