Two Big Sky rivals are set to take the turf Sunday, in what could be a huge game for both schools — Eastern Washington versus Idaho in the Kibbie Dome.
Idaho is now midway through its Big Sky schedule, with head coach Jeremy Clevenger and a veteran squad looking to hit their stride at the perfect time.
The Vandals have a 2-1-1 record and are sitting at third in the conference standings, playing a host
of solid programs including Northern Colorado, the No. 2 team in the Big Sky.
The Eagles are currently the reigning Big Sky Champions and look to defend their place at the top of the conference throne, but their record is 1-2-1 in conference this season.
The Eagles will face their regional rivals coming off a loss against Northern Colorado.
“We played about as poorly as we could today, and UNC punished us,” EWU Head Coach Chad Bodnar said in a news release. “We got beat in every aspect of the game today and look forward to getting home and back to work on Tuesday.”
Idaho and Eastern Washington’s recent history has been one of games coming down to the wire, decided by the slimmest of margins.
In the last meeting between the pro- grams last season, the Vandals and Eagles met during the final game of the season, where the Vandals handed the Eagles their only loss of the season.
In the last six meetings between the two programs, the final scores have all been decided by one goal or fewer.
“I think it will be a tight game and a close game,” Clevenger said. “Both teams are fighting for standings in the confer- ence, and the nice thing is that we are home and we will be able to use that to our advantage, but it could be decided by a goal or two.”
Then there is Pete Showler, who some may remember as former head coach of the Idaho soccer team.
Showler was at the helm of the Idaho program for 10 seasons, from 2005 to 2014, where he became the winningest head coach in school history and led Idaho to its best record in school history, with 14-7 in 2010.
“I have had great conversations with Pete, and I think he is still a great advocate for Idaho soccer,” Clevenger said. “I think when you spend somewhere for 10 years, it never leaves you…I have a lot of respect for (Showler), and it will be fun to play against him.”
Idaho certainly has the talent to match up with Eastern Washington and has impact players on both offense and defense.
The defensive line is anchored by senior defenders Kelly Dopke and Kayleigh Fredrick, and will be crucial to limit the shots taken on goal.
“Our two center backs Kelly Dopke and Kayleigh (Fredrick) …they have really been the anchors on our defense,” Clevenger said. “Been breaking up a lot of plays and been great in the air.”
Senior goalkeeper Makayla Presgrave will also be an impact player to watch for. With at least a couple shots inevitably going to make their way toward goal, Presgrave will have to make sure she is on top of her game to help Idaho pull out the win.
On the offensive side of the field, Idaho will look to junior forward Myah Merino and senior forward Bridget Daley. Both players are leading the team in scoring and will need to use their speed and elusiveness to get open shots and find the back of the net.
“On the attacking side, I give a lot of credit to Myah (Merino). She just scored her third goal in four games and is just really starting to come on and be that goal scorer for us,” Clevenger said. “(Bridget Daley) had a hat trick early on and I think she keeps on getting more confident … I think once she gets another game like that under her belt, she’s really going to skyrocket.”
Even though the Eagles have a new look to the roster this season, Clevenger sees the culture that has been built in Cheney.
“I know (Eastern Washington) has a new group and they lost a lot of players from last year, but this is still a team that has experience of winning and it’s going to be a fun game on Sunday.”
Idaho will take on Eastern Washington 1 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 7) in the Kibbie Dome.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected]