The University of Idaho women’s soccer team delivered a memorable performance Sunday afternoon, defeating Southern Utah University 4-0 at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. The victory capped Homecoming weekend as the Vandals finished their home schedule unbeaten and gave their graduating players a memorable final appearance in front of the home crowd.
Idaho established control early, scoring three goals in the first half before adding another in the final seconds of the match. Makenna Stuart and Hallie Prinos-Grumbach led the offensive charge, combining for two goals and four assists. Senior Calli Chiarelli capped the afternoon with a late goal to seal the victory.
The win improved Idaho’s overall record to 8-3-5, including a 2-1-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play. The Vandals also finished their home schedule with five wins and three draws, remaining unbeaten at the Kibbie Dome throughout the season.
Idaho wasted little time establishing its offensive rhythm. In the 11th minute, Stuart opened the scoring with a goal assisted by Prinos-Grumbach, giving the Vandals an early 1-0 lead.
The connection between the two players proved effective again just minutes later. Before the 15-minute mark, Stuart scored her second goal of the afternoon, once again finishing a pass from Prinos-Grumbach. The quick pair of goals put Southern Utah under immediate pressure and gave Idaho a 2-0 advantage.
The Vandals continued to attack rather than settle into their lead. In the 30th minute, Mia Boltz found the back of the net following another assist from Prinos-Grumbach. The goal extended Idaho’s lead to 3-0 and capped a first-half performance in which the Vandals consistently created scoring opportunities.
Idaho entered halftime with a 13-3 advantage in shots. The three-goal lead allowed the Vandals to approach the second half with confidence while maintaining their defensive discipline.
Although Idaho’s offensive production attracted much of the attention, its defensive performance was equally important. Southern Utah attempted nine shots but could not find the back of the net against the Vandal defense.
Senior goalkeeper Paula Flores played all 90 minutes and recorded four saves to preserve the shutout. Idaho finished with a 21-9 advantage in total shots and a 9-4 edge in shots on goal. The Vandals also earned six corner kicks compared with Southern Utah’s one.
The shutout marked Idaho’s 10th of the season, highlighting the defensive consistency that has helped the team remain competitive throughout the campaign.
Sunday’s match also carried significance beyond the final score. Homecoming provided an opportunity to recognize the players who have contributed to the program throughout their collegiate careers.
The celebration received a fitting conclusion in the final moments of the match. With five seconds remaining, Chiarelli scored Idaho’s fourth goal, finishing an assist from fellow senior Tori Peters. The late goal capped the 4-0 victory and an unbeaten home campaign for the Vandals.
With its home schedule complete, Idaho will turn its attention to the final stretch of the season. The Vandals are scheduled to travel to Portland State on Thursday, Oct. 29, as they continue their Big Sky Conference campaign.
The challenge moving forward will be maintaining that level of execution on the road. Conference matches will be important as Idaho looks to strengthen its position in the standings and finish the regular season on a high note.
As the Vandals prepare for their remaining conference matches, they will carry the confidence of a dominant Homecoming performance and an unbeaten home record into the final stretch of the season.
The Vandals will next march into Portland State to take on the Vikings this Thursday, October 29 at 1 p.m.