The game of soccer requires a strong balance of both offense and defense to win games. Because the University of Idaho women’s soccer team has a strong balance of both, teams should prepare for tough competition against the Vandals this year.

“We have been building from last year’s defense, “It is the best since I have been here (at UI),” Idaho coach Pete Showler said. “The stronger the defense is, the more chances we have of replicating the game.”

The team has a handful of strong players returning this season, including sophomore Alison Page, a strong center back on the defensive line who was recognized for her accomplishments on the field
last fall.

Page lived in Sussex, England and signed with a recruitment agency that helped her send out her player profile to American universities, UI was a perfect fit for Page.
“I did a home visit with Page and her parents after viewing her profile,” Showler said.

She went home to England for three weeks over the summer, but returned to Moscow for the remainder of the summer so as to get into “game shape” for fall.
“My favorite moment being a Vandal last season was our game against Oregon State,” Page said. “We played really well, worked hard and had a ‘dodgy’ 2-1 loss in double overtime due to a penalty kick,” Page said.

“What sets us apart from any other team in the Western Athletic Conference is our team spirit,” Page said. “We are basically one big happy family.”
Five freshmen joined the squad this season and are adjusting to the speed of play at the Division 1 level with confidence.

Freshman Dez Hull is a New Mexico native who is eager to get more play as a defensive back.
Hull was recruited by Showler through New Mexico Olympic development team tournaments, as well as various recommendations made by coaches who had seen her play throughout her high school soccer career.

“My transition from high school and club soccer to the collegiate level has been pretty easy so far with all my experiences in major tournaments,” Hull said.
“I am excited to start playing again,” Hull said.
She explained that during the preseason opener against Central Washington, she collided with an opponent during a corner kick on goal. She has been sidelined with a concussion since the
collision.

The Vandals expect the University of Hawa’ii to be their main competition this season.  The match will be hosted in Moscow, allowing the Vandals a home field advantage.
Although it takes 11 players to finish off a win, spectators are looking forward to watching these two athletes in combination with the rest of the Vandal women as they dominate the defensive positions.
The Vandals are trying to defend their 2-0 win against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Guy Wick’s Field at 3 p.m. today.

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