MOSCOW, Idaho – The spring season is up and running for Idaho soccer, with the Vandals looking to build on another great season.  With head coach Jeremy Clevenger and his staff experiencing their first spring in Moscow, it's hard at work for the Vandals.
 
"They've done really well, with everything that's thrown at them," Clevenger said.  "They're working hard.  It's early on, so there's still work to do, but I'm definitely happy with how we've started the spring."
 
One of those challenges has been the injury toll.  With a handful of student-athletes recovering from injury, the Vandals have been working with smaller numbers and spaces to improve on the technical side of the game.
 
"We've had some challenges with injuries and just having small numbers so far in the spring.  We haven't been able to really expand things and go 11-v-11, and there are a lot of challenges with that.  We have players at new positions, trying to find their roles within the team.
 
"This is more developmental time.  I want players to get a better understanding of the system and what we want as coaches.  We've been really focused on the technical side, with touches and being confident on the ball."
 
Off the field, Clevenger has another challenge.  The Vandals graduated nine seniors, who also happen to be the winningest class in program history.
 
"The other thing we're looking for is just for players to step up.  When you lose that many seniors, you want players to step up and fill that void.  We're looking for leadership, we're looking for players to produce on the field, but at the end of the day we just want them to compete and get better each day."
 
Clevenger has looked to his most veteran Vandal to begin the transition to new leadership.
 
"The biggest one has been Julia Byerlein.  She has done a great job of taking on the leadership role and being a great vocal presence.  And she has been playing well too, so it has been great to see her confidence grow.  Another person that we're looking toward is Taylor Brust.  She has been injured, which has been hard, but she has done a good job of stepping up into that role."
 
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The first game of the spring didn't go Idaho's way, as the Vandals fell at Washington State, 3-1.  Idaho was the dominant team in the opening 45 minutes, despite playing without a number of expected starters, and took a 1-0 advantage into the break behind a tremendous goal from Juliana deTar.  The perennially-ranked Cougars came out aggressive in the second half and were able to pick up a trio of goals and take the win.
 
Next up is a trip to Spokane to take on Gonzaga at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
 
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