Idaho women’s soccer (5-1-1) battled with California Baptist University (2-4-1) into overtime Wednesday night in the Kibbie Dome for a 0-0 draw, ending the Vandals three-game winning streak, but keeping them ranked No. 1 in the Big Sky.
The Vandals, initially selected at finishing fourth in the 2021 Big Sky from the preseason coaches’ poll, went into Wednesday’s game ranked No. 10 in the West NCAA D1, along with their current standing as No. 1 in the league and having the best start in the soccer program’s history.
“It was a good game,” head coach Jeremy Clevenger said. “Cal Baptist is a tough team. They’re physical, they’re really organized defensively.”
The Lancers controlled much of the game, as they outshot Idaho, 10-5, and had seven shots on the goal, though Vandal senior goalkeeper Avrie Fox was able to block all of them. Idaho recorded only two shots on the goal.
Baptists made a good job pressing the Vandals and forcing them into some mistakes, Clevenger said, but it makes for good practice as they’ll see that kind of play during the Big Sky Conference.
Vandals have one more preconference match, on Saturday Sept. 18, facing off with the University of St. Thomas (2-4-1).
Clevenger said Saturday would be a different style of game, and managing different styles would be key in conference play.
“We need to have that mentality to play different styles and get the same result regardless,” Clevenger said.
Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome and will be streamed on ESPN+.
Cody Roberts can be reached [email protected] or on Twitter @CodyRobReports