POCATELLO, Idaho - The Idaho State soccer team finished up their final two home matches on the season this weekend. Their first match was on Friday versus former number one team in the conference, Portland State, and the second was Sunday against Sacramento State.
In the match versus Portland State, we saw the Bengals take it to the top seeded Vikings, defeating them 3-2. Idaho State opened the scoring in the 13th minute of the game when Marta Nieto found a streaking Mary Za for a beautifully timed header to give Idaho State a 1-0 lead. The Bengals picked up in the second half right where they left off in the first, scoring just 1:37 into the half off of a stupendous free-kick goal from Marta Nieto, just beyond the box. Bella Anderson decided she wanted to get in on the action as she scored her own free-kick goal from deep in the 59th minute of the match, extending the Bengal lead, 3-0. The Vikings were not going down without a fight as they stormed back, scoring goals in the 66th and 84th minutes to come within just one of Idaho State. However, the Vikings' comeback attempt would come up short as the Bengals would fend off the Vikings' last efforts to even the match. Kelsey Jargstorf played all 90 minutes in goal for the Bengals, making three saves and allowing two goals. Defender, Marta Nieto finished with 1 goal off of 1 shot on goal and one assist in 68 minutes played. Forward, Mary Za ended with one goal off of three shots and defender Bella Anderson capped the Bengals scoring with her one goal off of two shots on goal. Midfielder Taylin Butterbaugh also finished the match with one assist.
On Sunday afternoon the Bengals took on Sacramento State. The Bengals opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the match after some fancy footwork and a beautiful shot from forward, Saydree Bell. The Hornets had an answer for Idaho State as they netted their first goal of the match just three minutes later to even the score 1-1. The Bengals and Hornets went into the halftime break tied up at one. In the second half the Bengals and Hornets each had their opportunities, taking seven shot attempts in the second half each, but as we reached the final seconds of the match, Marta Nieto fired what would have been the game-winning free-kick, but it ricocheted off the right post, and would be cleared by Sacramento State, ending the match in a draw 1-1. Kelsey Jargstorf was in goal all 90 minutes for the Bengals, making four saves and allowing one goal. Saydree Bell netted her fifth goal on the season off of six shot attempts and two shots on goal in 80 minutes played.
Idaho State plays their last match of regular-season on Sunday, October 22nd at 1 p.m. against the Weber State Wildcats in Ogden, Utah. You can stream this match on ESPN+ or follow along live with LiveStats.
