The University of Idaho Argonaut

The University of Idaho soccer team practices at Guy Wicks Field on Tuesday. Steven Devine/Argonaut

To start the Western Athletic Conference schedule with a clean slate after a rough non-conference season, the University of Idaho soccer team is preparing to win games during the most important part of the season.
Idaho coach Pete Showler said the non-conference games have come and gone and it’s time to figure out a winning strategy in practice. 
The UI women’s soccer program has never played in a conference tournament game; Showler wants to give the 2008 team that experience this season.

“We could have done better,” Showler said. “But we are working on things in practice, we are training in the weight room and working on our fitness.”
Senior Nicole McAllister is one of few on the team who has made definite improvements as an offensive player. 
With multiple assists and a few goals to show her devotion to the team as a senior leader, she said the entire team is to thank for her success on the field despite their record this season.

“I don’t think it’s just me,” McAllister said. “I’ve scored two goals from Jenn Hull’s assists, I’m just in the right place at the right time.”
Despite the ups and downs in the non-conference season so far, McAllister said the team has remained as positive as possible in order to find some wins.
“The off-days are definitely overshadowed by the good days,” McAllister said.
Showler said he is impressed with his team’s determination to get back “into the game quickly,” no matter the outcome.
McAllister said the women make great friends on and off the field because it keeps the laughter going as they all portray their “obnoxious and fun personalities.”

“I try to lead by example and pull everyone together and let them know they have someone they can always turn to,” McAllister said. “It’s great because we have no team cohesion problems.”
In Sunday’s match against University of Montana, the Grizzlies’ defense played with three defenders in the back, four players in the middle and three at the top to stack their offense.

“We figured out their tactics and we prospered,” Showler said. “We are stronger as a result of that.”
Showler said he plans to work on creating opportunities for shots on goal.
Over the next few practices the individual players will find the right time to shoot the ball on frame creating more opportunities to score.
“We did a better job on Friday because we were focused and much more ruthless in front of the goal,” Showler said.
As for Friday’s match against Utah Valley University, Showler said UVU was much more skilled than he had prepared for, but his team dominated the second half.

“It’s disappointing because we created chance after chance,” Showler said. “We played well a good portion of the game.”
The Vandals will play the first game of their WAC season in Logan against Utah State University on Friday.
On Sunday the Vandals will host Louisiana Tech at Guy Wick’s Field at 1 p.m.

“We have fantastic student and local community support,” Showler said. “It is great; hopefully we make use of the home field advantage this weekend.”