POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State women's soccer dropped an 0-1 decision to Northern Colorado on Sunday afternoon. The Bears scored the match's lone goal in the 55th minute, while the Bengals created several opportunities but were unable to find the equalizer.
Northern Colorado broke through at 54:47 when Ava Marshall finished a counterattack, with Madeline Mori and Lexi Tuite credited with assists. The goal came after a first half in which the Bengals had defended well but struggled to execute their game plan consistently.
The Bengals faced a Northern Colorado team that looked to create opportunities in transition. Downey said the Bears scored in the manner Idaho State had prepared to defend, taking advantage of space in the middle of the field during the counterattack.
The Bengals continued to battle after the goal, with their strongest push coming over the final 30 minutes. Idaho State finished with nine shots, including two on goal, while Northern Colorado recorded 13 shots and seven shots on goal.
Idaho State had opportunities to take the lead in the first half. Saydree Cooke struck the crossbar at 21:28, and Daphne Egelhoff also hit the woodwork at 40:23. Nolyn Cromie put two attempts on goal, but Northern Colorado goalkeeper Thordis Melsted finished with one save to preserve the shutout.
Downey said the Bengals generated opportunities that did not always register as shots, including crosses through the box and chances that could have turned into goals with a better final touch.
"We can't say we didn't have our chances," Downey said. "We had a couple good looks today, and just couldn't settle the ball well enough to create a chance."
Downey also pointed to a chance involving Stephanie Roper and another opportunity in front of goal that the Bengals could not convert. Idaho State had scored in each of its previous three matches.
Goalkeeper Aliya Garrett kept the Bengals within striking distance, recording six saves across 90 minutes. Northern Colorado finished with seven shots on goal, with Marshall's second-half finish providing the difference.
Despite the result, Idaho State remains in the hunt for a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament heading into its final match of the regular season. Sitting in the 6th and final spot, just one point ahead of Southern Utah.
Up Next
Idaho State closes the regular season on the road in Ogden against Weber State. The Bengals will look to earn a result in their final match as they pursue a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament.
