September 2, 2007

ISU ties with Fullerton

LAS VEGAS - The Idaho State soccer team faced more than just Cal State Fullerton on Sunday in Las Vegas.

Oppressive heat proved to be an equal foe for both the Bengals and the Titans as the two played to a 1-1 draw after two overtime periods at the UNLV Rebel Classic. ''It was bad,'' said Idaho State coach Allison Gibson. ''It was really, really bad.''

Temperatures reached a high of 107 degrees, which forced the teams to break every 20 minutes for water. Still, the Bengals jumped ahead early when senior Natalie Graham sent a shot into the right corner of the net off an assist by sophomore Jana Boehler in the fifth minute, giving Idaho State its first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.

''It was huge,'' Gibson said of the goal. ''I think confidence-wise always to get on the board first is big. It gives you that little boost of confidence that, 'Hey we can do this.''' The Bengals needed the early cushion because Fullerton peppered Idaho State keeper Maren Eves throughout the afternoon. The senior ended with a career high 10 saves.

''(Eves) played unbeliveable,'' Gibson said via cell phone during the bus ride back to Pocatello. ''She was everywehre. She commanded her box whether it was 10, 15 yards out or on the line.'' In the 30th minute, Fullerton did manage to squeak a shot past Eves when junior Jenae Gibbens finished a corner kick off the foot of Casey Schostag.

From there, neither team could finish as the heat took its toll. The Titans ended up with a 23-12 shot advantage on the Bengals. With the tie, both teams are 0-1-1 for the season, with each losing Friday on the first day of the Rebel Classic. The Bengals lost their opener 1-0 to Arizona State.

Even though Idaho State didn't come home from the desert with a win, Gibson left pleased with how her team played against the top competition. ''We just have to think bigger and better for ourselves,'' Gibson said, ''because we've proved time and time again that we can play with anyone.''

On Friday, Idaho State will return to Davis Field to host Boise State in the Governor's Cup. A match against Idaho follows Sunday.

By Journal staff