POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State fired off a season-high 19 shots and controlled more than 60% of possession, but a late first-half goal by North Dakota proved to be the difference as the Bengals fell 1-0 Sunday afternoon at Davis Field.
The Fighting Hawks' lone goal came in the 43rd minute when Cora Antonia Karen Ellermann finished off a sharp assist from Mea Hook and Miyu Yoshida, slotting home her fourth goal of the season just before halftime. Despite consistent second-half pressure and 11 total shots on frame, Idaho State couldn't break through a packed UND defense anchored by keeper Grace Miller, who tallied 11 saves in the shutout.
The loss drops Idaho State to 2-4-2 overall. North Dakota improves to 6-3-1.
Idaho State had several high-quality chances throughout the match, including a clean look from Stephanie Roper in the 71st minute and a late drive from Saydree Cooke in the 82nd, but Miller turned away every Bengal threat. Mary Za, Madelyn McQueen, and Talia Coury each had shots on goal as ISU pushed forward with urgency in the second half.
Despite the final scoreline, the Bengals led in nearly every major statistical category, outshooting North Dakota 19-6, holding a 7-2 edge in corners, and generating more than 66% of possession time. It marked the second consecutive match in which Idaho State controlled possession and outshot its opponent but came up short on the scoreboard.
Bengal Bites – Sept. 14 vs. North Dakota
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🔥 Offensive Pressure: Idaho State's 19 shots and 11 shots on goal are both season highs.
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🧱 Wall in Goal: North Dakota's Grace Miller made 11 saves, the most by an opposing goalkeeper vs. ISU this year.
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⚔️ Midfield Control: ISU held 66% possession and completed nearly twice as many passes as North Dakota.
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📈 Trending Up: Sophomore Stephanie Roper has registered 4 shots on goal over her last three matches.
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🚫 One Goal Games: This was ISU's fifth match decided by one goal or fewer this season (1-3-2).
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⚽ Big Sky Watch: ISU ranks 4th in the Big Sky in total shots (103) and in shots per game (12.9).
Up Next:
Idaho State concludes its non-conference slate next week when it travels to Las Vegas, Nevada for their final non-conference match against UNLV on Thursday, Sept. 18th at 6:30 p.m. MT.
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