Portland State knew it was better than whats its record showed. Yes, the Vikings started off conference play 0-3 and, yes, it had been nearly a month since they had won a match. But the talent was there, if they pulled everything together at the same time.

The second half of Sunday's match against Idaho State (2-9-0/1-3 BSC) showed exactly what this Vikings team is capable of. Portland State (3-8/1-3 BSC) had an offensive explosion, scoring three times in the final 45 minutes. A penalty in the last minute denied them of a clean sheet, but the defense was solid and a 3-1 win is exactly what the Vikings needed heading into back-to-back weeks on the road.

A couple of teams sitting outside the current postseason cutoff, the Vikings and Bengals battled like their seasons depended on it. The two sides played an incredibly physical game. There were 31 combined fouls and six total yellow cards. Even a casual observer would have noticed a heightened aggression coming from both sides, as both sides knew that their seasons could drastically change with a result.

"Obviously the win and three points was a must today," head coach Katie Burton said. "The team knew that and put a full 90 minute battle together."

In the first half, there was nothing to show for it for either team. The Bengals were unlucky not to take the lead early on a shot that hit the crossbar, but the Vikings had chances that went against them as well. It was reflective of the season for Portland State. They had played well, but it seemed like one slip-up and they may be facing another deficit.

The action only intensified in half number two, where the Vikings fired off 11 shots. Morgan Matthews nearly put the Vikings in the lead early on in the half, attempting a long-distance chip of the keeper that sailed wide.

The high back line of Idaho State left the Vikings attack looking slightly confused in the first half, but some halftime adjustments had them looking much more dangerous.

"The first half they were working out trying to beat a high back line," Burton said. "They made all the adjustments we talked about at half time and it paid off in the end."

A team that normally favors a possession game that they favor to over-the-top balls and long runs had to figure out the best approach against Idaho State's high back line. As the attacked gained confidence, it was a set piece that finally provided the break through.

Bengals keeper Katie Hogarth was seeing double, literally. The Vikings had a free kick from 19 yards out and twin sisters Tasi and Tea Poore stood over it. Tea ran over and left it for Tasi, who fired an absolute rocket around the wall and into the back of the net for her first career goal.

"The free kick was perfectly placed by Tasi," head coach Katie Burton said. "It is semi-drawn up, however, we tell the players to read the wall and look for seams if they are presented. They read and executed very well."

The 67th-minute goal may have given the Vikings the lead, but the match certainly wasn't over. Portland State had a 1-0 lead against Eastern Washington last weekend but ultimately fell 3-2. But in a match that they almost had to win, the Vikings saw it through in style.

The attack continued as Portland State kept the ball in Idaho State's half for much of the remainder of the game. In the 76th minute, they would find a second goal and put the match out of reach.

Regan Russell made a nice run on the outside, swinging in a cross just in front of the goal. Jadyn Harris and a Bengal collided chasing after it, but it bounced over them to the back post where Rilee Castilla was waiting.

The sophomore, who had missed the last two matches because of a red card, drove the ball into top of the net for her second goal of the season.

The physicality of the second half — there were 21 fouls and six yellow cards in the final 45 — didn't really allow Portland State too much comfort, but they did manage to keep Idaho State away from goal.

The game was likely already sealed in the 87th minute, but that didn't stop Jade Rafallo from scoring an unbelievable goal to make it 3-0. She made a long run to get to the end of a bouncing ball just outside the 18-yard box. Idaho State's keeper left the box and attempted to head it clear, but Rafallo knocked the ball away.

While it was still bouncing, and as the goalkeeper pulled her to the ground, Rafallo flicked a shot high into the air. It dipped just below the crossbar for the goal, turning the game into a rout. Rafallo had entered the game not long before her goal and was one of a number of players that came off the bench and left their impression on the match.

"Our bench really came through today," Burton said. "Jade was determined when she went in. She was excellent at reading the keeper was off her line so there was an open net."

The Bengals were fouled inside the box and scored the penalty with 30 seconds remaining, but that didn't take away from the great performance on the defensive side of things as well. Abbie Faingold made six saves and the back line helped deal with much of the pressure that Idaho State created.

"Abbie was Abbie," Burton said. "She made some crucial saves as she always does. It is very rare to have a goalkeeper like her. That comes from her training with (assistant coach Jenny Lawrence) and her work ethic during practice."

It was a crucial win for the Vikings, who had previously been sitting at the bottom of the Big Sky with zero points. They pick up three and now move into a tie with Idaho State in seventh place, just one position out of qualifying for the Big Sky tournament.

A loss or draw and the battle to get back into a tournament spot would have been nearly impossible. Now with three points and momentum in hand, the Vikings are ready for the final half of the conference season.

Next week they will travel to Northern Arizona and Southern Utah for a couple of Big Sky matches. The Vikings and Lumberjacks will meet on Friday at 6 p.m.

MATCH NOTES: The Vikings now lead the all time series 12-9-1 … Tasi Poore's free kick was the first career goal for the sophomore defender … Jade Rafallo's 87th minute goal was the first career goal for the junior … The Vikings received a season-high four yellow cards in the match. Their season total is now at 18 … It was the second goal of the season for Rilee Castilla, both of which have come at home from nearly the exact same position … It was the first assist of the season for Regan Russell.