VERMILLION, S.D. (USD Athletics) — The South Dakota women's soccer team faced a tough challenge on Thursday night, falling 1-0 to the Idaho Vandals at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. The match was tightly contested, with Idaho scoring the only goal in the 34th minute.
Idaho, now boasting a record of 4-1-1, took the lead when Alyssa Hamilton found the net at 33:15, capitalizing on an unassisted play. South Dakota's goalkeeper, Cambell Fischer, played a crucial role in keeping the Coyotes in the game, making a significant save on a penalty kick just moments before halftime. This effort allowed South Dakota to enter the break trailing by a single goal.
In the second half, South Dakota (2-3-2) intensified its offensive efforts, launching 10 shots towards the Idaho goal. However, the Vandals' goalkeeper, Paula Flores, was up to the task, making two key saves to maintain the shutout. Overall, the Coyotes managed a total of 15 shots, with five of those being on target.
Fischer's performance was commendable, as she recorded three saves against four shots on goal from Idaho. Her earlier penalty kick save was pivotal in keeping the Coyotes within striking distance. The match statistics showed Idaho with a slight edge, totaling 17 shots compared to South Dakota's 15, and both teams earned two corner kicks.
As the match drew to a close, South Dakota created several opportunities to equalize, including a last-minute shot by Sam Luft in the final seconds. Unfortunately for the Coyotes, they were unable to convert any of their chances, allowing Idaho to secure the hard-fought road victory.
The South Dakota women's soccer team will look to bounce back when they host Drake on Sunday for Senior Day at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. This upcoming match will be an important opportunity for the Coyotes to honor their seniors while seeking to improve their season record.
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