RENO, Nev. – New beginnings don't always go as planned, and the Idaho soccer team found that out on Friday night with a tough 1-0 loss at Nevada.  The Wolf Pack netted the game-winner on a penalty kick in the 87^th minute.
 
"First game, we had some highs and we had some lows," said head coach, Jeremy Clevenger.  "I think we showed some positive things on the field, but we showed some inexperience in some areas as well.  But it's the first game, so we have to build off this and get better for the next game."
 
The game-winner came late, in the 87^th minute.  The Vandals couldn't get the ball out of their own box, with the Wolf Pack players swarming at every loose ball.  Kelly Dopke did her best to get the clearance, but was whistled for a foul, yielding the penalty kick.  Nevada's Payton Lieb placed an excellent shot, giving Makayla Presgrave no hope.
 
Despite the slow start, Idaho showed some signs in the second half as the team utilized its depth to its full advantage.
 
"Having some players come in to give us some depth, especially when you go into a weekend with two games, it's always hard.  You add that we had the scrimmage on Tuesday, we're going to need our depth this week.  We used almost our entire roster that we traveled, and most of them came in and did very well.  I'm happy with the depth that we're showing."
 
The fresh legs helped lead to a handful of counterattack chances in the second half.  The first resulted in a corner, which the Vandals were able to recycle back into the box for a Taylor Brust header that collided with the crossbar.  The second came soon after, as the Vandal pressure forced a mistake out of the Nevada goalkeeper, but Kaysie Bruce's shot was cleared off the line at the last moment by the defense.
 
"I think the counterattack could be a strength of ours," Clevenger said.  "We have an athletic front line.  I don't think we connected in the final third, on the critical last ball, but we can definitely get out on the break and hopefully use it to our advantage going forward."
 
Next up for the Vandals is a trip to Boise State to take on the Broncos.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Boise, or 12 p.m. Pacific.  Live stream and live stat links are available on the schedule page.
 
"It's a rivalry game.  It's one of those games, where as a coach you don't have to say much, just get them pointed in the right direction and get the formation right.  A game of that magnitude sets the stage for itself."
 
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.