The Idaho women’s soccer team dropped their first two matchups of the regular season against Nevada (Aug. 17) and Boise State (Aug. 19).
The Vandals first faced the Nevada Wolfpack in Reno, Nevada. Nevada pulled out the win over Idaho by a score of 1-0.
The only goal came 87 minutes into the game from a penalty kick.
“First game, we had some highs and we had some lows,” Idaho head coach Jeremy Clevenger said in a press release. “I think we showed some positive things on the field, but we showed some inexperience in some areas as well. But its’s the first game, so we had to build off this and get better for the next game.”
The depth of the Vandal’s roster was a positive take away from this game, possessing the ability to fall back on good players and fresh legs to make up for a slower start, leading to counter attacks in the second half and plenty of opportunities for the attacking third.
“Having some players come in to give us some depth, especially when you go into a weekend with two games, it’s always hard,” Clevenger said. “You add that we had the scrimmage on Tuesday, we’re going to need our depth this week. We used almost our entire roster that we traveled, and most of them came in and did very well. I’m happy with the depth that we’re showing.”
Next, Idaho traveled down south to face its in-state rivals — the Boise State Broncos.
“It’s a rivalry game. It’s one of those games, where as a coach you don’t have to say much, just get them pointed in the right direction and get the formation right,” Clevenger said. “A game of that magnitude sets the stage for itself.”
The Broncos got on the scoreboard early, netting the first goal in the sixth minute. Boise was able to make it 2-0 early in the second half, putting Idaho in a hole, but they didn’t go down softly.
Idaho chipped away at the Bronco lead, netting a goal off a corner 67 minutes in. With just seconds remaining, senior defender Kayleigh Frederick let off a rocket from 25 yards out that just went over the top, ending the hope of a comeback.
“But we didn’t quit, we kept fighting and got back in the game,” Clevenger said. “I think that for the last 30 minutes we were the better team.”
Idaho will return home to face off against the Grambling State Tigers 4 p.m. Aug. 24.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected]