POCATELLO, Idaho - Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Portland State women's soccer team suffered its first Big Sky loss of the season on Friday night, falling 3-2 at Idaho State.
The loss snapped a three-game win streak for the Vikings, who fell to 7-6-1 on the season and 4-1-1 in conference action. The Bengals improved to 4-11-1 overall and 2-3-1 in Big Sky play.
The Vikings have yet to recover from an early deficit this season and Friday was no different. The Bengals scored early, taking a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute. Despite three Portland State corner kicks, a shot by
Elle Frazier was the Vikings' only look in the opening 45 minutes as they headed into halftime trailing by a goal.
The Bengals doubled their lead early in the second half, scoring in the 47th minute to take a two-goal lead. Just over ten minutes later, they struck again, doing so with a set-piece goal in the 59th minute.Â
Portland State refused to go down without a fight, flipping a switch in the 66th minute. For the third straight match, an
Abi Hoffman corner kick found
Sienna Higinbotham in the box, leading to the Vikings' first goal of the night. Sophomore defender
Kalo Iongi pulled PSU within one with her first goal of the season in the 84th minute, but the Vikings' comeback effort ended there. Idaho State's defense held on for the final minutes, securing the 3-2 victory.Â
The Vikings were held to a season-low seven shots in the match. Higinbotham led the effort with two shots, putting both on target.
Natalie Cunningham played the full 90 minutes in goal for Portland State, recording three saves.Â
The Vikings will have an opportunity to bounce back this Sunday (Oct. 15) as they travel to Ogden, Utah to take on Weber State (11:00 a.m. PT/12:00 p.m. MT).Â