Idaho State Women's Soccer Faces Weber State to Secure Tournament Spot

Idaho State women’s soccer is staring down a high-stakes crossroads in Ogden, Utah. The Bengals enter Thursday’s matchup against Weber State with a single, clear objective: secure a victory to guarantee a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament. According to isubengals.com, a win on November 5 would clinch their qualification for the postseason tournament scheduled for November 11–15 in Missoula, Montana.

The math for the Bengals is challenging. Currently sitting at 4-8-5 overall and 2-3-3 in conference play, Idaho State holds the sixth spot in the Big Sky standings. To protect that position and ensure they aren’t left out of the Missoula trip, they must overcome a Weber State team that currently dominates the conference. The Wildcats hold a 6-1-1 conference record and sit in first place.

A battle of statistical extremes

The matchup presents a fascinating clash of styles and strengths. While Weber State leads the conference in offensive metrics, Idaho State has built its identity around defensive resilience and shot volume. The Bengals currently rank third in the Big Sky in both shots per game (13.69) and shutout percentage (0.375). They also hold a significant 81-58 advantage in saves against their opponents, a testament to their ability to withstand pressure.

Idaho State softball lost 5-1 to Oregon and 3-1 to a 40-win Saint Mary's team. Two really good outings. Thought they could maybe get one today. But SMC leads Oregon in the 5th right now Weber State (x2) remains the only Big Sky team to win in the NCAA Tournament

— https://x.com/WeberHQ/status/2055871909414506992

Weber State, conversely, is riding a wave of momentum. The Wildcats are on a three-game winning streak, including two consecutive shutouts against Montana (3-0) and Northern Arizona (2-0). Their offensive production is among the best in the league, ranking second in the conference in total goals (28), points per game (4.29), and scoring offense (1.65). When you look at the broader landscape of the Big Sky, Weber State’s efficiency is hard to ignore, particularly their shot accuracy, which sits at 0.489.

Metric	Idaho State	Weber State
Overall Record	4-8-5	10-6-2
Conference Rank	6th	1st
Shutout Percentage	0.375 (3rd in Big Sky)	N/A
Total Goals	N/A	28 (2nd in Big Sky)

Individual matchups that will decide the outcome

For Idaho State, the path to an upset likely runs through their goalkeeper, Aliya Garrett. Garrett is a standout performer, ranking third in the Big Sky with six shutouts—a figure that places her 63rd nationally. She also sits fourth in the conference for shutouts per game (0.375) and seventh in goals against average (1.64). If the Bengals are to halt the Wildcats’ scoring run, Garrett will need to replicate her season performance of 66 saves.

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Offensively, the Bengals will lean on Saydree Cooke. Cooke leads the team with 10 points, including three goals and four assists. Her presence is felt throughout the match, as she ranks seventh in the conference in shots with 40 attempts. She will need to find space against a Weber State defense that has proven difficult to crack lately.

Weber State has a clear answer in Lily Blum. Blum is arguably the most dangerous player in the Big Sky right now, leading the conference in goals, goals per game, and total points. With 12 goals and 26 total points, she is the engine of the Wildcats’ offense. Supporting her is Oakley Anderson, who ranks second in the conference in assists, and Simone Packer, who holds the seventh spot in the Big Sky for goals.

The defensive side for the Wildcats is anchored by Lauren Butorac. Butorac has started all 18 games for Weber State and maintains a 1.40 goals against average, ranking fifth in the conference. Her ability to manage the pitch will be vital if Idaho State’s high shot volume translates into genuine scoring opportunities.

The weight of historical trends

The historical data suggests a steep mountain for the Bengals to climb. This Thursday marks the 31st time these two programs have met, and the recent history leans heavily in favor of the Wildcats. Idaho State is searching for its first victory over Weber State since 2016. In their last five meetings, the results have been consistently difficult for the Bengals, with Weber State taking all five contests.

Idaho State vs. Weber State Oct 27, 2026 FULL MATCH | NCAA Women's Volleyball

10/26/2025: vs. Weber State – L, 0-3
10/13/2024: at Weber State – L, 1-2
10/22/2023: at Weber State – L, 0-3
10/16/2022: vs. Weber State – L, 2-4
10/03/2021: at Weber State – L, 0-3

The stakes extend beyond just a single game. For the players, it is a matter of postseason validation; for the program, it is about maintaining a presence in the Big Sky Tournament. A loss could potentially jeopardize their sixth-place standing, altering the trajectory of their season just as the tournament in Missoula approaches.

The game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. in Ogden, Utah. Fans can follow the action via ESPN+ or through LiveStates at isubengals.com.