Drovers Claim Historic Victory in the Rockies Against No. 3 College of Idaho

LITTLETON, Colo. – Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2-2-1 0-0 SAC) traveled to the Rockies for a showdown against No. 3 College of Idaho (2-1, 0-0 CCC) and came away with a monumental 1-0 shutout victory. The performance is the highest ranked-win in program-history, and it was the first time the Coyotes had suffered defeat in the regular season since August 2023.  

The Coyotes possessed the ball for much of the first half, but the USAO defense held strong and took a scoreless tie into the break. 

Following halftime, the Drover defense continued to shine, prior to taking advantage of a golden opportunity, as Ilse de Jong connected on her fourth goal of the season on a free-kick from the left side of the box in the 63^rd minute. Once again, de Jong showcased her sharp-shooting ability, sniping the top-left corner, creeping just over the wall of defenders, and out of the reach of the goalkeeper. 

USAO preserved the one-goal advantage for the remainder of the contest to conclude the historic triumph. 

As a team, USAO attempted just seven shots, with five being on goal, while College of Idaho attempted 14 shots, four of which were on target. The Coyotes were whistled for nine fouls, while the Drovers committed eight infractions. C of I had three corner-kicks, and USAO took four attempts out of the offensive corners. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped all four shots that came her way, clinching the tenth shutout of her marvelous career. She improves her record to 28-5-2 in the green and gold.

USAO's strength of schedule is very impressive this season, and seven of their opening 10 matchups are against opponents that are ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Thus far, they are 2-2-1 overall with wins against LSU Shreveport and No. 3 College of Idaho, and losses against No. 13 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) and RV Hastings (Neb.). The Drovers opened the 2025 campaign with a tie on the road against an always-competitive RV Concordia (Neb.). Over the next 20 days, they will face No. 14 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), No. 23 Columbia (Mo.), and No. 3 John Brown (Ark.). Iron sharpens iron!

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will remain in Littleton, Colo. to face No. 14 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 3:00 PM CT.

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