CALDWELL, Idaho — In a match filled with intensity, momentum swings, and standout performances, the College of Idaho Yotes (2-3-1, 2-3-0 CCC) came up just short against the undefeated Eastern Oregon Mountaineers (7-0-3, 4-0-1 CCC), dropping a 2-1 decision in front of a lively crowd at Simplot Stadium.
The Mountaineers wasted no time making their presence felt. In the 20th minute, Henry Lopez broke through the Yotes' defense and fired a shot past goalkeeper Matej Hron, giving EOU the early lead. Lopez's second goal of the season.
But the Yotes weren't backing down.
Just 15 minutes later, Pierre Fabre delivered a pinpoint corner that found Evan Dickinson on the backside post, who headed home his first goal of the season to level the score. The equalizer energized the home crowd and shifted the momentum in favor of The College of Idaho heading into halftime.
The second half opened with both teams pressing for control, but it was Austin Turner who made the difference. In the 56th minute, Turner capitalized on a defensive lapse and slotted home the go-ahead goal, his second of the season, putting EOU back in front.
The Yotes responded with urgency. Eric Hornung, Keidin Green, and Chris Slater each launched dangerous attempts, but EOU keeper Anthony Lemus stood tall, recording four crucial saves to preserve the lead. Lemus, now 5-0-2 on the season, was instrumental in keeping the Yotes at bay during a late surge.
On the other end, Hron was equally impressive, turning away six shots and anchoring a defense that faced 14 total attempts from the Mountaineers. Marcos Bravo and Anthony Macedo led the EOU attack, combining for four shots on goal and keeping the Yotes on high alert throughout the match.
The contest was physical and fiercely contested, with six yellow cards issued and a combined 23 shots. The Yotes matched EOU's intensity and created multiple chances, but couldn't find the finishing touch to force a draw.
Despite the setback, The College of Idaho showed flashes of promise. The Yotes will look to regroup and rebound on the road against Rocky Mountain College on October 9, before returning home to face Southern Oregon University on October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
