VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota freshman striker Amanda Carpio tallied her first collegiate goal to ensure a 1-0 victory for the Coyotes over Idaho at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. Friday afternoon's game served as the grand opening for the field.
 
As the defending Big Sky regular season champions, Idaho (0-1) was picked to finish first in the preseason coaches' poll. South Dakota (1-0) captures its first win in the series with Idaho.
 
Carpio was crashing the box as a shot by senior striker Corey Strang was deflected on a dive by Idaho goalkeeper Torell Stewart. Carpio slid the ball behind Stewart's back to the far left side of the net for a goal in the 86th. Strang collects her first assist of the season, which moves her into a tie for fifth on USD's all-time charts with 11 career assists.
 
Idaho had two shots in the remaining four minutes with both flying wide of the post.
 
South Dakota played all three of its goalkeepers with sophomore Parker Rytz taking the start. Rytz grabbed three saves, junior Sydney Hardin pulled in one and the Coyote defensive line blocked two more of the Vandals' shots-on-goal.
 
Idaho outshot the Coyotes 14-5, but only six shots were on-target. South Dakota had two shots-on-goal by Carpio, one from Strang and one off a free kick from junior defender Brittney Baker. Stewart pulled in all three saves for the Vandals. Idaho was led in shots-on-goal by striker Kavita Battan with two.
 
The Coyotes follow up today's match by hosting North Dakota at noon Sunday at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex in Vermillion. Promotions for Sunday's game include a Coyote Crazies student tailgate, $1 tickets at the gate and a youth clinic for kids' eighth grade and younger following the match.