The games have been played, lessons learned and improvements and progressions made. The Idaho soccer team has five games under its belt and one more weekend before it calls the spring season a wrap.
File Photo by Ilya Pinchuk | Argonaut Freshman Morgan Porter takes a shot at the goal after beating defender Amber Pimley during practice March 29 on the SprinTurf.
The theme of the final weekend? Fun.
The Vandals travel to the Gonzaga campus Saturday to participate in a 7 v. 7 tournament, in which the Vandals will split their team in to two competing squads, against regional foes.
“It’s a nice combination of everything we’ve worked on this spring,” coach Pete Showler said. “It’s a fun way to finish, but it’s high energy. Endurance wise it’s a tough thing, we’re more than capable of doing it.”
The tournament is the third annual hosted by Gonzaga. Last year, the Vandal squads faced off against each other in the semi-finals.
“It was probably the most fun game we’ve had. It was a lot of competition,” senior midfielder Jill Flockhart said.
Showler said Idaho’s teams are drawn randomly, and split down the middle in terms of positions. Liz Boyden and Caroline Towles will goal keep for the respective teams.
“It’s more about going and enjoying what they do. Hard working, lots of minutes. (Working on) transition, quick shots, touches on ball. Playing in a pressure situation,” Showler said. “We hope they play each other in the final. It’s friendly banter but they both want to win it as much as anybody … Just a great way to finish off the spring.”
Eastern Washington, Montana, Gonzaga and alumni teams from Gonzaga and Eastern will each play at least four 38-minute games, with a possibility of playing up to six games.
“We’re playing teams that we play during the pre-season. I think everything is there just to close off the year,” senior midfielder Megan Lopez said. “Last year it was a really enjoyable experience, showing off what they worked hard for. It’s a time to try new things as well, be creative, try things you wouldn’t usually try.”
Lopez contributed to Idaho’s offensive breakout the week prior at North Idaho College when she put away two of Idaho’s five goals in its 5-0 victory. The Vandals, who have been experimenting all spring with the attack, were grateful for the points.
“It’s just all coming together,” Showler said. “The one touch passing and the movement was tremendous. The quality of crosses was great and it created some great opportunities for us.”
The team’s focus will turn to proving its formidable offense against regional opponents.
Despite the split, Idaho players will root for their counterparts with the hope that one of the two will make the finals.
“I think it’s more so the bragging rights over Gonzaga than the two of our teams. I’d like to see either of our teams beating one of the Gonzaga teams,” Flockhart said.
Gonzaga defeated Idaho 3-0 in Spokane last fall, and 1-0 in Moscow earlier this spring.
“They came out and beat us and we want to show them what we’re capable of, what we should have gone out and shown them,” Lopez said.
Sean Kramer can be reached at [email protected]