POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State women's soccer opened Big Sky Conference action with a hard-earned 0–0 draw Thursday night against perennial contender Idaho at Davis Field. The result marked the Bengals' first positive outcome against the Vandals since 2019.
In a matchup between two of the conference's most competitive squads, Idaho State (3-4-5, 0-0-1 Big Sky) battled with focus and discipline for the full 90 minutes. The Bengals limited the Vandals to just seven total shots, while generating 13 of their own and earning a season-high nine corner kicks.
"I thought our girls defended Davis really well tonight," Head Coach Dustin Downey said. "They executed our game plan to a T. We know Idaho is athletic and dangerous—they've been at the top of the conference the last few years—so I'm really proud of our team for the composure and commitment they showed."
Freshman goalkeeper Hannah Wieler notched her third shutout of the season, finished with five saves, and commanding the penalty area with poise beyond her years. Downey noted, "We've been pushing Hannah to play like a senior even though she's a freshman. Tonight she looked like one. Her kicking game was strong, and she played mature back there."
The Bengals' back line of Daphne Egelhoff, Tess Livingston, Talia Coury, and Sofia Wolf once again anchored a resolute defensive unit, limiting Idaho's chances on set pieces and through balls—both strengths of the Vandals' attack.
"We really wanted to limit their chances on service into the box because we know how dangerous they are in the air," Downey said. "We moved the ball well and forced them to defend deeper than they wanted. I thought it was a fantastic game between two really good teams."
On the offensive side, Idaho State kept the pressure on with multiple close looks in the second half. Samantha Fenske led the team with four shots, and Saydree Cooke nearly delivered a match-winner on a late counter-attack in the 85th minute, launching a shot just wide after a clearance sent her racing 1v1 toward the goal.
"I think I was walking down the sideline with my finger in the air—I thought something special was about to happen," Downey said with a smile. "Saydree thought she saw the keeper off her line and took the shot early. It wasn't far off. The fans definitely felt that moment too."
Despite not finding the back of the net, the Bengals outshot Idaho 13–7, and kept the Vandals to just three corner kicks in the match. Idaho's physical defense blocked several of Idaho State's shot attempts from inside the 18.
"We were pretty relentless at times, and it felt like one was going to come," Downey added. "Idaho defends with numbers and sacrifices their body. We created the chances we wanted—we just didn't finish one tonight, and that's okay."
Thursday's result snapped a four-match losing streak in the series and reflected just how far the Bengals have come under Downey's leadership.
"I think it's a testament to how this program has grown. That's the first time we've gotten a result against Idaho in six years, and I hope fans in Pocatello are seeing that change. This team is fun to watch."
Bengal Bites 🐯
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First positive result vs. Idaho since Oct. 13, 2019 (2–1 win in 2OT).
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Hannah Wieler posted her 3rd shutout of the season, tying for 2nd-most in the Big Sky.
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Saydree Cooke ranks 4th in the Big Sky in shots per game (2.88), T-7th in points (7).
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Mary Za ranks T-7th in goals (3)
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Idaho State ranks T-2nd in the Big Sky in total assists (14) and 6th in total goals (11).
Up Next
Idaho State hits the road for the first time in conference play on Sunday, Sept. 29, traveling to Cheney, Washington, to face Eastern Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. MT.
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