BOISE - The Idaho State soccer team scored first Friday against Idaho, but it wasn't enough.

The Bengals fell 2-1 to the Vandals in the opening match of the 2009 Governor's Cup at Boas Soccer Complex on the Boise State campus. It was Idaho State's second straight loss, and the best it can hope for now in the Gem State competition is a three-way tie.

"They have to step up and start taking ownership of this team, and that is their challenge right now, to not let it slip away," coach Allison Gibson said in an Idaho State news release. "It's right there. They are at a critical time in our season. Dropping two like that, they have to come back."

Idaho scored the game-winning goal in the 71st minute, when Sari Morrison buried a penalty kick after Idaho State committed a handball in the penalty area.

It was Morrison's second goal of the match and fourth of the season.

After allowing the first score in three of their first four matches, the Bengals struck first against the Vandals. Freshman Ashley Jones scored her third goal of the season in the 16th minute off a cross from fellow freshman Rachel Strawn.

Idaho equalized four minutes before halftime, though, when it earned three straight corner kicks. On the final attempt, Morrison scored with an assist from Chelsea Small.

"We can't give them three corners and expect them not to put the ball in the back of the net," Gibson said. "That's the challenge to try and click that little piece on that is going to be the difference. Both teams are dead even at that point."

For the match, the Vandals peppered Bengals keeper Bailey Williams with eight shots on goal, while Idaho State managed only four. Overall, Idaho out-shot Idaho State 14-9.

It was the second year in a row the Vandals (2-2-0) bested the Bengals (2-3-0).

Idaho State will wrap up Governor's Cup play at 2 p.m. Sunday against host Boise State.