POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State women's soccer wrapped up its 2025 campaign on Sunday afternoon, falling 0-3 to visiting Weber State at Davis Field in the regular season finale. The loss officially eliminated the Bengals from Big Sky Tournament contention, but the story of the season extends far beyond the final score.
The Bengals finish the year 5-8-4 overall and 2-4-2 in Big Sky play, narrowly missing a postseason berth in what proved to be one of the most competitive Big Sky Conference races in recent memory. Despite the result on Fan Appreciation Day, 2025 stands as a season of tangible progress for Head Coach Dustin Downey's program—a campaign marked by grit, growth, and record-book performances.
"I'm proud of this group," Downey said. "This team grew in so many ways over the course of the season, both on the field and in how they played for one another. We've built a culture here that's built on resilience and chemistry. That's going to carry us forward."
First-Half Moments, Second-Half Surge
Weber State struck first just before halftime when Grace Kirby found the net in the 41st minute. She added a second early in the second half, and completed her hat trick with a third goal in the 67th. Idaho State generated five of its seven total shots in the second half, trying to claw back into the match. Sophomore defender Daphne Egelhoff led ISU with two shots, and her long-range effort in the 78th minute forced a diving save—Idaho State's only shot on target.
Despite the scoreline, Idaho State battled with energy through all 90 minutes and continued to show the late-game push that became a theme of their season.
A Season of Milestones
Idaho State's 2025 campaign featured numerous individual highlights and statistical breakthroughs:
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Five total wins marked the most in a season under Downey
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Freshman goalkeeper Hannah Wieler started all 17 matches and recorded five shutouts, tied for sixth-most in a single season in program history. Wieler now also ranks tied for eighth in ISU career shutouts after just one year.
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Senior midfielder Saydree Cooke capped off a standout season with:
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6 assists (tied for 6th-most in ISU single-season history)
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0.375 assists per game (6th all-time in single-season average)
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48 shots (tied for 12th-most in a single season)
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20 shots on goal (tied for 15th-most in a single season)
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Redshirt-Sophomore midfielder Samantha Fenske scored two game-winners this season, tying her for 12th in ISU single-season history.
Cooke, Fenske, and teammates like Mary Za, Isa Winton, and Steph Roper helped anchor a lineup that combined veteran experience with emerging young talent. The Bengals featured 13 players who recorded either a goal or assist this year and boasted one of their strongest midfield units in recent memory.
Culture, Continuity, and a Core Returning
While the loss to Weber State closed the door on the postseason, Idaho State exits the 2025 season with something more valuable—an identity. The Bengals showed they can compete with anyone in the Big Sky, earning points against perennial contenders like Idaho and Northern Arizona and securing marquee non-conference wins over Cal State Bakersfield and UNLV. Downey and staff will have strong foundation to build upon moving forward.
"This group never backed down," Downey said. "They were coachable, tough, and committed to the vision we're building here. This is just the beginning."
Bengal Bites
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Saydree Cooke finishes the season with 6 assists (T-6th ISU single season), 0.375 assists/game (6th), 48 total shots (T-12th), and 20 shots on goal (T-15th).
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Hannah Wieler's 5 shutouts are tied for 6th most in a season and 8th in career history at ISU.
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Samantha Fenske's 2 game-winning goals rank T-12th in ISU single-season history.
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Idaho State's 5 wins and 8 points in Big Sky play are the most under Head Coach Dustin Downey.
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ISU earned results against Idaho, Northern Arizona, and UNLV, and posted shutout wins over Bakersfield and Sacramento State.
Up Next
Idaho State now shifts into offseason mode with plenty to be proud of—and plenty to look forward to. A core of experienced players will return, joined by an incoming class that aims to keep the momentum building.
