FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State women's soccer team fell in the season opener to the University of Idaho Thursday night at Dacotah Field, falling on a penalty kick goal for the Vandals late in the first half.
 
The Bison (0-1-0) were even with Idaho (1-0-0) through the first half hour, but a foul at the top of the penalty area was called and the Vandals were awarded a penalty kick in the 37^th minute. Idaho's Margo Schoesler tucked the penalty into the left corner past Abby Wilkinson for the only goal of the game.
 
Wilkinson was perfect the rest of the way, finishing the game with five saves. The Bison were outshot 16-7 in the game. The Vandals had just six shots on goal to three for the Bison.
 
Kelsey Kallio had a shot saved in the 13^th minute and Jess Hanley had a shot sail over the right corner of the crossbar in the 41^st minute for the best two looks of the first half for NDSU.
 
In the second half, Hanley had another scoring opportunity, with her shot in the 48^th minute kept out of the net with a save by an Idaho defender.
 
Alicia Nead would have another strong scoring chance saved in the 63^rd minute, while freshman Katie Pagel had the last strong look to tie the game for the Bison, firing just over the crossbar from outside of the penalty area in the 81^st minute.
 
The Bison will return to action on Sunday, welcoming in Baylor University (0-1-0). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Dacotah Field. The game will be aired on Bison 1660, as well as NDSU All Access.