LA MIRADA, Calif. – Playing under scorching Southern California conditions, the No. 10-ranked The College of Idaho women's soccer team continued its impressive start to the 2026 season Saturday afternoon, defeating Hope International, 2-1, at Al Barbour Field to finish a perfect 3-0 California road trip.
The Yotes wasted no time setting the tone despite the extreme heat, striking in the third minute of the match and never trailing on their way to another road victory. The win moves The College of Idaho to 3-0 on the season and caps a flawless opening-weekend swing through California.
"We knew it was going to be a battle with the temperature and the travel, but our group showed tremendous resilience," said head coach
Brian Smith. "Getting out to a fast start was huge."
The Yotes needed just over two minutes to find the breakthrough.
Rylee Russell continued her red-hot start to the season, finishing off a pass from
Alondra Osuna for her third goal of the year and a 1-0 advantage.
In the 33rd minute, freshman defender
Grace Eastman fired a shot that ricocheted off the left post and back into a crowded penalty area. As Hope International defenders scrambled to clear the danger, Eastman stayed with the play and tapped home the loose ball for the first goal of her collegiate career. The opportunistic finish doubled the Yotes' lead and ultimately stood as the game-winning goal.
The College of Idaho carried that 2-0 advantage into halftime after controlling much of the opening 45 minutes.
Hope International made things interesting in the second half when Angely Puga scored in the 53rd minute to cut the deficit to 2-1. But the Yotes remained composed down the stretch, turning away every remaining threat to secure the victory.
Molly McCabe recorded four saves to earn her third win of the season, including several key stops that preserved the lead after the Royals' second-half push.
Statistically, The College of Idaho held the edge in several critical categories. The Yotes outshot Hope International 16-12, including an 8-5 advantage in shots on goal. They also generated eight corner kicks compared to five for the Royals and committed just five fouls while forcing Hope International into 11 fouls.
Russell paced the attack with three shots on goal, while Eastman converted one of her two attempts.
Abbi Roubidoux was a constant threat with four total shots.
The College of Idaho will travel to face Whitman College on Sept. 5 at 8:30 p.m. MT.
