As the Vandals looked to move to 10-1-2 overall and 5-0 in conference, they had to go into their third straight road game, playing Northern Arizona, who came in 3-5-4 overall and 2-1 in conference.
The Vandals were never able to gain control in this match as the Lumberjacks played at their own pace and didn’t let the Vandals do much offensively. Idaho’s defense did hold strong all half, making NAU earn it.
Freshman goalkeeper Kira Witte was amazing again, saving shot after shot, attempting to keep the half scoreless. In the 45th minute, junior midfielder Maddie Shafer attempted a shot. The ball hit the crossbar and, according to the ref, went over the line for the first goal of the game. This was the first goal given up by the Vandals in 10 games.
Idaho came out with the same energy in the second half. They remained sluggish all game and NAU took advantage. They keep shooting at Witte and had a staggering 20 shots, 12 of which were on goal. Idaho had 14 shots, but only three on goal.
Junior forward Margo Schoesler was the lone bright spot offensively as she had six shots with three on goal. NAU beat the Vandals 1-0 to give Idaho their first loss since Aug. 21
The loss drops Idaho to second in the Big Sky and sets up an interesting game against now first place Portland State on Friday. NAU moves up to third in the Big Sky and push their record to 4-5-4 overall and 3-1 in conference.
Everyone has talked about Idaho’s remarkable defense, but it may be time to question their offense. They have had six 1-0 wins, five of which were in their last six games. After being shut out by NAU, they are going to have to do a lot better in the offense category if they want to win the Big Sky Championship.
Idaho is back in the Kibbie Dome on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. to face Portland State and settle which team is really the best in the Big Sky.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached @[email protected] or on Twitter @JaydenBarfuss10