Greeley, Colo. – With its 2-0 win over Northern Colorado (11-7-1, 6-2-1) the Idaho soccer team (13-4-1, 9-0-0) clinched its first ever Big Sky Regular Season Championship.
"We have to give a lot of credit to Northern Colorado, they're a really good team, they play good soccer, and they have some really great players," said head coach Derek Pittman. "We knew we would need to play our best to win. We were extremely focused defensively and were able to get a couple of goals to get the win. I'm really proud of our team for their focus, effort and perseverance. For us to come out with the Big Sky Regular Season Championship is awesome."
The Vandals became the first Big Sky team ever to win nine league games and will host the Big Sky Championships at Guy Wicks Field in two weeks. Idaho has earned a bye to the semifinals, and will open up play on Friday, November 6.
"It's going to feel very nice to play in front of our home fans for the next two weeks," Pittman said. "We've been very strong at home and our players do a great job of preparing themselves week to week. We'll do everything we can to protect our home field in the tournament."
Idaho got on the board early, with Clara Gomez scoring in the sixth minute. Elexis Schlossarek redirected a cross to Kayla Watanabe, who headed the ball into the middle of the box. Amanda Pease then settled the ball for Gomez, who fired in her third goal of the season.
The Vandals got the insurance goal in the 83rd minute, with Alyssa Lloyd heading in a Schlossarek corner. Lloyd has now scored in five consecutive games.
"Lloyd played a lot of her youth career as a forward, so she's very comfortable around the box," said Pittman. "She does a great job of getting herself free. More than anything it's her hunger and desire to get on the end of crosses and long throws. Her eyes light up when we get those set pieces, she takes it as a personal challenge to get to the ball.
"I'm very proud of her, but also of the Elexis, Clara, Josilyn Daggs and Amanda Pease, for providing the services for Lloyd to take advantage of."
Amanda Poertner made five saves and earned another shutout, her ninth of the season. The Vandal defense has been incredible in Big Sky play, allowing just three goals in nine games.
Prior to this season, the Vandals' best regular season finish was third, done most recently in 2010.
The Vandals return home for their final regular season match on Friday against Eastern Washington. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Guy Wicks Field. The Vandals will also be celebrating senior day prior to kickoff.
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho soccer by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsSoccer, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Women's Soccer.
For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com. Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.
