NAMPA, Idaho - The College of Idaho women's soccer team opened its exhibition season with an encouraging performance Tuesday night, falling 1-0 to local rival Northwest Nazarene Univ.
Despite the result, the Yotes showed plenty of promise against an NCAA Division II opponent, creating several dangerous attacking moments while receiving standout performances across the field as they continue preparations for the regular season.
The match was scoreless through the opening 45 minutes before the Nighthawks broke through shortly after halftime. Northwest Nazarene earned a free kick in the 48th minute following a foul in the attacking third. Goalkeeper
Molly McCabe made the initial save on the shot, but Lucy Bergford was first to the rebound and finished the opportunity to provide the game's lone goal.
The Yotes responded well after conceding and generated consistent pressure throughout the second half. Their best chance came in the final 15 minutes when
Abbi Roubidoux nearly found the equalizer. The senior forward struck a shot that beat the goalkeeper but rattled off the upper-left corner of the post.
Roubidoux displayed the attacking quality that has made her one of the Cascade Conference's top offensive threats, recording three shots while routinely dribbling past defenders and creating opportunities with incisive passing in the final third.
Campbell Reed impressed at outside back, winning possession and driving at defenders with confidence.
Alondra Osuna,
Allison Moultray and
Gracie Walt each contributed successful dribbles that helped the Yotes maintain pressure and create attacking sequences.
Defensively, The College of Idaho turned in a strong collective effort.
Shaelyn Olsen was especially effective, shutting down multiple Northwest Nazarene attacks while also helping launch the offense through her distribution out of the back. Olsen also contributed in the attacking third, placing two shots on target. Olsen and fellow center back
Ava Poyser each played the full 90 minutes and provided stability throughout the evening.
McCabe finished with three saves before giving way to
Kate Pereur, who recorded three saves of her own over the final 42 minutes. The Yotes limited the Nighthawks to just three shots on target despite facing sustained pressure and eight corner kicks.
The College of Idaho outshot Northwest Nazarene 5-2 in the second half and generated six shots overall as the Yotes continued to show positive signs ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Yotes will have one final tune-up against Walla Walla Community College before opening the regular season Aug. 26 against Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, California.
