BIG SKY CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Idaho soccer (9-6-3, 6-1-2) ran into a strong Northern Arizona squad (9-4-4, 5-1-3) in the regular season finale on Sunday, earning a hard-fought, 0-0, draw. With the draw, the Vandals earn the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Big Sky Championship in Ogden, Utah.
"It was a very good game," said head coach,
Jeremy Clevenger. "Both teams were battling for a first-round bye, and we were battling for a championship. It was just two good teams going at each other.
"Defensively we were great. We weren't as efficient on the attacking end of the field today, but overall I was really proud of our performance."
Idaho had its chances, outshooting NAU 16-15, but was unable to get past Taryn Benham.
Myah Merino,
Kelly Dopke,
Kaysie Bruce,
Savannah Foster and
Kayla Watanabe each took two shots on the game.
Makayla Presgrave and the Vandal back line have now gone five straight matches without conceding a goal. In total, the streak has lasted 496 minutes, the longest streak in program history.
"They're solid. It's going to take something special to beat them. When we're organized we're good. Again, it was a tough team. They were a very direct opponent, it was a different challenge than we've seen in a bit, but I think we did well. They're our anchor back there."
Paired with the other results around the league, Idaho earns the No. 2 seed in the Big Sky Championship in Ogden, Utah, and will begin on Friday, November 2. The Vandals will face the winner of No. 3 Northern Colorado and No. 6 Eastern Washington at 12 p.m, Mountain (11 a.m. Pacific).
"We just need to take advantage of this week off and recover. Talking to the players, I don't think they need much. They're hungry. They're disappointed that they're not conference champs, so they're hunger and desire should push us and get us ready for the following week."
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.
