MISSOULA, MT – Idaho State women's soccer returned to the win column Thursday afternoon, putting together a complete team performance to defeat Montana, 2-0, at South Campus Stadium for its first Big Sky Conference victory of the 2026 season as Syleena Hogan and Emma Casenave would both score their first career goals.

Syleena Hogan opened the scoring in the eighth minute, ending the Bengals' scoring drought, while Emma Casenave added an insurance goal in the 70th minute off an assist from Saydree Cooke. On the defensive end, Aliya Garrett recorded three saves to secure her fifth shutout of the season.

The victory marked Idaho State's first win since September 3 at Omaha, while the Bengals' two goals were their first in Big Sky Conference play and their first since a 1-1 draw at New Mexico on September 20.

The win improved Idaho State to 3-7-4 overall and 1-2-2 in Big Sky play, while Montana fell to 3-8-0 overall and 1-2-0 in conference action.

Idaho State wasted little time setting the tone, coming out aggressively in the opening minutes. Cooke recorded the Bengals' first shot in the seventh minute before Parker Sullivan followed with an attempt less than a minute later.

Following a corner kick in the eighth minute, Idaho State would press up and finally broke through.

Hogan found the back of the net at the 7:53 mark, putting the Bengals ahead 1-0 and ending a scoring drought that had stretched back to September 20. The early goal also marked Idaho State's first goal in Big Sky Conference play this season.

The Bengals continued to apply pressure following the breakthrough. Stephanie Roper sent an attempt just high in the 13th minute, while Sullivan and Lena Bonnard followed with opportunities of their own.

Montana looked to respond in the 18th minute when Grace Morton put an attempt on frame, but Garrett made the save to preserve Idaho State's advantage.

ISU nearly doubled its lead in the 34th minute when Sullivan struck the crossbar, narrowly missing an opportunity to extend the advantage before halftime.

The Bengals carried a 7-3 advantage in shots into the break, along with their 1-0 lead.

Idaho State continued to create opportunities early in the second half, with Sofia Wolf forcing Montana goalkeeper Avery Heeb into a save in the 48th minute.

The Grizzlies began generating more pressure as the half progressed, but Garrett and the Bengal defense stood firm. Garrett turned away Megan Wilson's attempt in the 49th minute, while the Idaho State back line continued to limit Montana's quality scoring opportunities.

With Montana pushing for an equalizer, Idaho State found its second goal in the 70th minute.

Just 14 seconds after entering the match, Casenave made an immediate impact. Cooke set up the Bengal defender, who found the back of the net at the 69:58 mark to double Idaho State's advantage to 2-0.

The goal was especially timely for the Bengals, giving them a two-goal cushion with just over 20 minutes remaining. Cooke's assist also continued her role as one of Idaho State's primary offensive contributors this season.

Montana continued to push forward over the final 20 minutes, generating several scoring opportunities and three corner kicks, but the Bengal defense refused to give way.

Garrett came up with another important stop in the 75th minute, denying Elli Lewis to preserve the shutout. The Grizzlies added three more shots over the closing 15 minutes, but none found the target.

Garrett played all 90 minutes and finished with three saves, earning her fifth clean sheet of the season. In front of her, Amanda Brayton, Daphne Egelhoff, Gracie East and Sofia Wolf each played the full 90 minutes, helping hold Montana to just three shots on goal.

Idaho State finished with an 11-9 advantage in shots, including a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. Sullivan led the Bengals with four attempts, while Hogan and Casenave each converted their lone shot of the afternoon.

The Bengals also finished with four corner kicks compared to Montana's five, while Idaho State committed six fouls to the Grizzlies' five.

For Idaho State, Thursday's victory represented a breakthrough on both ends of the field. After struggling to turn scoring opportunities into goals over recent matches, the Bengals found the back of the net twice while continuing the defensive consistency that has highlighted their early conference performances.

With the win, Idaho State earned its first three-point result in Big Sky play and its third shutout in five conference matches.
 

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State improved to 3-7-4 overall and 1-2-2 in Big Sky Conference play.

• The victory marked the Bengals' first win since September 3, when they defeated Omaha, 2-0, on the road.

• Idaho State scored its first two goals of Big Sky Conference play.

• The Bengals found the back of the net for the first time since their 1-1 draw at New Mexico on September 20.

• Syleena Hogan scored Idaho State's opening goal at the 7:53 mark, her first career goal.

• Emma Casenave scored the Bengals' second goal at the 69:58 mark, just 14 seconds after entering the match, also her first career goal.

• Saydree Cooke recorded the assist on Casenave's second-half goal.

• Aliya Garrett earned her fifth shutout of the season, making three saves over 90 minutes.

• Idaho State has recorded three shutouts through its first five Big Sky Conference matches.

• Parker Sullivan led Idaho State with four shots, including an attempt off the crossbar in the 34th minute.

• Idaho State outshot Montana 11-9, including a 7-3 advantage in the opening half.

• Amanda Brayton, Daphne Egelhoff, Gracie East and Sofia Wolf each played the full 90 minutes in the shutout.
   

Up Next

Idaho State will look to carry the momentum from Thursday's road victory into its next Big Sky Conference matchup at Portland State, who earned a victory earlier today over top ranked Weber State. The Bengals match in Portland, OR will be on Sunday, October 18th at 2 P.M. MT.