Bengals keep pace with Mountain West's Colorado State in scoreless tie in season opener

Idaho State soccer coach Dustin Downey has been talking about the improved depth of his squad going into this season

The Bengals put that depth on display Thursday night in their season opener − a scoreless tie at Colorado State.

“Every field player available to play on the bench last night got minutes,” said Downey. “This year, we’ve got some depth that we haven’t had the past couple of years. Being able to put fresh legs in and not having to worry about the level dropping off, is a great asset to our tactical decision-making. It definitely played a role in last night’s game, where we were still threatening to score at the end of the game, and the opponent looked to be withering due to tired bodies. I hope we can continue to be a 90-minute team this season.”

The Bengals, who lost to the same Mountain West Conference Rams, 2-1, last season, started eight underclassmen in their opener. CSU, a more veteran squad, outshot the Bengals 19-8, including 6-0 in shots on goal.

ISU redshirt freshman Trinity Hale from Idaho Falls, posted six saves in goal for the Bengals, giving them their first season opener without a loss in three years.

“Colorado State is a veteran and seasoned opponent, with a lot of returning players from last season,” Downey said. “And to have to travel and play them at home, made the match even more challenging. To come away with a draw against a quality opponent on the road — and a shutout — I’m hopeful for what’s to come for Bengal soccer this season.”

Downey started six freshmen Thursday night, and he sees that youth as a sign of good things to come for his squad.

“A lot of fresh and young talent in the lineup,” he said. “Exciting for Bengal fans.”

The Bengals continue their Colorado road trip with a game at Denver Sunday at 1 p.m.