Box Score Presoctt, Ariz. — The College of Idaho men's soccer team claimed its first victory of the season with a 1-0 win against Benedictine Mesa (AZ) in a neutral-site match at Varsity Field. After tying their season opener, the Yotes (1-0-1) delivered a solid defensive performance to secure their first win.
Jorge Fernandez netted the game's only goal at the 28
th minute, converting a penalty kick to give College of Idaho the lead. The Yotes kept up the pressure throughout the match, outshooting Benedictine Mesa 13-10, but Fernandez's strike proved to be the decisive blow.
The Yotes' defense, led by goalkeepers
Ben Anderson and
Matej Hron, held strong. Anderson recorded two saves in the first half, while Hron added one in the second, preserving the shutout.
Benedictine Mesa (0-2) struggled to break through the Yotes' backline despite putting three shots on goal, with their best chance coming in the 43rd minute when Pela Mahloko's shot hit the crossbar.
The match saw a total of five yellow cards issued, including three to College of Idaho. Both teams battled hard, with Benedictine Mesa committing 10 fouls to the Yotes' 7. The Redhawks also had the advantage in corner kicks, 4-1, but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
College of Idaho will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season. Their next matchup will be against Northwest Nazarene University in an exhibition game hosted at Simplot Stadium. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. at Simplot Stadium on August 22
nd.
