Idaho soccer is nearing the end of its conference schedule and will be playing the final home games of the season against Idaho State and Weber State.
The Vandals have a conference record of 3-1-1 and are sitting at fourth in the Big Sky rankings, just a couple games away from the top spot.
“We have put ourselves into the position where we control our own destiny,” Idaho Head Coach Jeremy Clevenger said. “If we win out, we could potentially win the conference. It’s nice when you put your fate in your own hands.”
Clevenger said the conference schedule has “gone great,” including the impressive wins to start off the season against Portland State and Sacramento State, the tough road trip losing and tying to Northern Colorado and Montana respectively and picking up a tough rivalry game win against Eastern Washington.
“I’m very pleased with how we have started the Big Sky conference season,” Clevenger said.
Senior goal keeper Makayla Presgrave punches the ball from getting into the goal during Sunday’s game against Eastern Washington University in the Kibbie Dome.
Idaho will first play against the Idaho State Bengals in the “Battle of the Domes” rivalry between the two programs.
The last time these two met last season, Idaho won 2-1 in Pocatello with a come-from-behind effort in the second half.
Idaho State has had a rough season, sitting tied for last in the Big Sky with a 1-5 record and losing its last four games.
But Idaho knows that it can’t underestimate any team at this point in the season.
“We can’t overlook the bottom teams. We just have to be prepared and take this one game at a time,” Clevenger said. “It will be a hard, physical game. Rivalry game against an instate rival…It’s gonna be a game that will test our patience and composure on the ball.”
Idaho will then play against the top-ranked team in the conference, Weber State, for senior night, the final home game of the season.
Weber State has yet to lose a game this season, sitting at 5-0-1 and on a four-game winning streak.
Idaho will be saying farewell to the senior class before Sunday’s game, with nine seniors on the roster — Bridget Daley, Megan Goo, Anna Rose Wiencek, Kayleigh Frederick, Kelly Dopke, Jordyn Dion, Makayla Presgrave and Josilyn Daggs. Redshirt junior forward Kayla Watanabe will also be recognized at the time.
“(The seniors) have been a huge part of our success. We are a team, but you are only as good as your senior leadership,” Clevenger said. “It’s a group that is just focused, they want to win. They are the winningest class in program history, but I don’t think they want to stop there. They have bigger aspirations and bigger goals, and they are fun to coach each day.”
Idaho plays Idaho State 7 p.m. Saturday and Weber State 11 a.m. Sunday in the Kibbie Dome.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected]