Idaho State Soccer Falls In Big Sky Title Game 2-1

By Idaho State Athletics,

The Idaho State soccer team came up just short in another come from behind bid as the Bengals fell 2-1 to Northern Arizona in the Big Sky championship game.

“Everyone counted us out except for us,” Head Coach said. “I am extremely proud of them for the fight. The only thing that mattered this season was what went on in our locker room. That’s what counted.”

Despite the Bengals having the majority of the offensive chances in the first half, NAU capitalized on their only shot on goal when Emily Wadell blasted one into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead at the break.

The score would remain the same until the 69th minute when the ‘Jacks would double their advantage as tournament MVP Hayley Wingender slotted one past from just inside the box.

“We thought if we could get the equalizer we could get the winner,” Gibson said. “For them to get the second goal, that’s what we were hoping not to give up.”

Idaho State would not go quietly as just 18 seconds later beat multiple defenders before crossing a ball to Laruen Bermudez who finished through traffic to pull the Bengals back within one goal.

They would not be able be able to find the second goal as the NAU defense held strong to preserve the victory and the automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.

“I think we played with a lot of heart and a lot of passion,” senior said. “We would do anything in our will power to win. We have a lot of team chemistry. It’s going to be one hard thing to never be on the soccer field again with this group of girls.”

ISU finishes the season 10-9-1.

“This senior class means so much to me,” Gibson said. “This one has been very special to me. It’s not even about not winning a championship and not moving on to the tournament. It’s saying goodbye to those girls is probably the hardest part to me right now. We’ve been through a lot together, you know. They’ve just never rolled over. They’ve never said no. They’ve never quit on me, on the team. They’ve been the cornerstones of this program for the last four years.”

“It will sting for a while, for sure,” Gochnour said. “In reality it’s been a great four years. It’s been a hell of a ride. … Best four years of my life.