The University of Idaho women’s soccer team wrapped up its 2026 regular season Thursday afternoon with a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Eastern Washington University at EWU Sports & Recreation Soccer Field. Despite controlling much of the offensive action and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the Vandals were unable to find the back of the net in their final regular-season contest.
Idaho entered the matchup looking to finish the regular season on a positive note and build momentum heading into the Big Sky Conference Tournament, coming off a long road winning streak.
The Vandals wasted little time getting involved offensively. Sara Rodgers recorded Idaho’s first shot just over a minute into the match, forcing Eastern Washington goalkeeper Payton Hyde to make an early save. Calli Chiarelli followed with an attempt in the sixth minute, while freshman Quinn Mueller added two shots on goal during the opening 20 minutes.
Despite Idaho’s aggressive start, Eastern Washington found the breakthrough in the 29th minute. Ella Hyde scored her third goal of the season after receiving assists from Noelle Raczykowski and Maya Bossenbrook. The goal gave the Eagles a 1-0 advantage and ultimately proved to be the deciding moment of the contest.
Idaho continued pushing forward for an equalizer before halftime. The Vandals finished the first half with eight shots, including five on target. However, Payton Hyde delivered an impressive performance in goal, recording five first-half saves to keep Eastern Washington ahead.
The second half featured continued offensive pressure from Idaho. The Vandals searched for openings in the Eagles’ defensive formation and worked to create opportunities near the goal. Idaho recorded six additional shots and earned three corner kicks during the final 45 minutes.
Defensively, the Vandals also showed improvement as the game progressed. Idaho limited Eastern Washington to just one shot in the second half, preventing the Eagles from extending their lead. Unfortunately, the Vandals could not convert their offensive opportunities into the equalizing goal.
Miranda Goldner led Idaho with three shots during the game. Mueller, Rodgers, Hallie Prinos-Grumbach, Mirabella Bickham and Tori Peters each contributed two shots. Mueller led the Vandals with two shots on goal.
One of the most notable statistics from the matchup was Idaho’s advantage in total shots. The Vandals outshot Eastern Washington 14-6 and recorded six shots on goal compared with the Eagles’ five. Idaho also earned four corner kicks, while Eastern Washington finished with two.
With the regular season officially complete, the Vandals must now shift their attention toward the Big Sky Conference Tournament. The experience gained throughout the season, including Thursday’s narrow defeat, provides valuable lessons as the team prepares for postseason competition.
For Idaho, the focus moving forward will be improving finishing, maintaining defensive consistency and continuing to create scoring opportunities. The Vandals have demonstrated that they can compete offensively, and translating that production into goals will be essential to their postseason success.
While the 1-0 defeat was not the ending Idaho wanted for its regular season, the Vandals still have an opportunity to make an impact in the conference tournament. Their next challenge will be turning the lessons from this matchup into a stronger postseason performance.
The regular season may have ended in Cheney, but Idaho’s pursuit of a Big Sky championship is still alive.