MOSCOW, Idaho – The spring season is coming to a close with just one week left.  Idaho soccer hosts Eastern Oregon on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Kibbie Dome, with both teams competing "Vs. Cancer" to help raise money for cancer research.
 
After a slow start to the spring, head coach Jeremy Clevenger has seen some major improvements from the squad.
 
"The first part was pretty rough with injuries and struggles in certain areas of the field," Clevenger said.  "We really struggled with injuries and leadership in certain aspects.  But in these last few weeks, we've seen players stepping up, we're starting to get healthier and we're getting more comfortable in a lot of areas of the field.  I've been very happy with our progression and I think we're going to end the spring on a high note.
 
"The team, overall, has really stepped up.  There has been a more general focus at practice, competing more.  Just the focus and the competition day-in and day-out, with the whole team.  Everyone has bought in.  It's a different team from the beginning of the spring to now.  I've been happy with their progression of play, but more importantly the mentality side."
 
After dropping their first three games of the spring, including road contests at Washington State and Gonzaga, the Vandals bounced back last Saturday to defeat Central Washington, 5-0.  The offense clicked, the defense clicked and strong play from fifth-year goalkeeper Julia Byerlein sealed the shutout.
 
Noticeably different is the defensive side of the ball.  After losing veteran leaders in Kelly Dopke and Claire Johnson, Clevenger and his staff have been working to find the missing pieces.  The newest addition, Fiona Dawson, has already made an immediate impact in just a few short months in Moscow.
 
"She has done really well," said Clevenger.  "It is a jump, to come from a junior college to Division I.  The game is faster and more physical.  She took he lumps early on in some learning moments, but she has really rebounded well.  She's a great kid, great personality, very coachable.  She's technical, she serves a great long ball and she gives us a few attributes that we didn't have before."
 
Another focus for Clevenger has been identifying talent that is already on his roster.  The Vandals had five freshman sit out last year, for injury or otherwise.  While some are still rehabbing their way back, Clevenger did single one out for her efforts so far this spring.
 
"Spring is a big time for freshmen to develop.  You want to see them step up and understand how to compete and play and take that next step," Clevenger added.  "Sidney Schmidt, and Savannah Foster, have been key out there.  But Sidney has been very good at outside back.  She's very technical, she's aggressive and she's comfortable with 1-v-1 defending.  I've been happy to see her step into that role and do very well."
 
The Vandals close out the spring season on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Kibbie Dome against Eastern Oregon.  The game will be Clevenger's last opportunity to see his team before the squad heads home for the summer break in two weeks.
 
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.