CALDWELL, Idaho — In a clash of Cascade Collegiate Conference titans, the No. 5 College of Idaho Yotes (8-1-0, 5-0-0 CCC) delivered a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers (7-3-1, 4-1-0 CCC) Friday afternoon at Simplot Stadium, extending their win streak to six on the season and asserting their dominance atop the conference standings.
The match opened with intensity and physicality, as both teams battled for control in a game that featured 27 fouls from the Mountaineers and 13 committed by the Yotes.
In the 19th minute, Gianna Yslava earned a penalty kick after relentless pressure in the box. Her initial strike was denied by EOU keeper Madeline Barker, but Yslava pounced on the rebound and buried it to give the Yotes a 1-0 lead. The goal marked her fifth of the season, and she wasn't done yet.
Just eight minutes later, Yslava doubled the advantage, finishing a perfectly placed through ball from Kyndra Lyons with clinical precision. Her sixth goal of the season sent the home crowd into a frenzy and put the Yotes firmly in control.
Eastern Oregon, known for its balanced attack and defensive grit, clawed back in the 64th minute when Siena Salazar capitalized on a well-timed assist from Karina DeYoung, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The Mountaineers, who had previously allowed just eight goals all season, pressed hard for the equalizer, but the Yotes' backline, anchored by Alivia Brenchley in goal and defenders Shaelyn Olsen and Ava Poyser, held firm.
Then came the dagger.
In the 87th minute, Natasja Davis made a heroic sliding challenge on Barker, who had ventured far outside her box to make an adventurous clearance attempt. Davis nimble challenge delivered a composed pass to Allison Moultray, who calmly lofted a stunning 35-yard strike over the retreating defense and into the net and sealed the win. The long range effort sent the Yotes faithful into frenzied celebration.
The Yotes outshot EOU 12-7 and earned four corners to the Mountaineers' three. Brenchley recorded one save, while Barker was tested repeatedly, making three saves on the day.
With the win, The College of Idaho improves to 8-1 overall and remains unbeaten in CCC play. The Yotes have now won six straight against EOU and are 9-3-4 in the series since 2012. The Mountaineers, led by standout Reed Macy (team-high three assists) and goal-scorer Salazar, were handed their first conference loss of the season.
Next up, the Yotes travel to Rocky Mountain College on October 9 before returning home to face Southern Oregon University on October 17 at 4 p.m.
