FARMINGTON, Utah – Idaho soccer was picked to finish fourth in the Big Sky Conference, the league office announced Wednesday morning. Northern Arizona was selected to finish first with 71 points.

The Vandals took 56 points in the poll, trailing NAU, Montana (70), and Northern Colorado (66).

The team was picked seventh last season before going 5-3 in league play and earning the second seed in the Northwest Division. Four Vandals earned Big Sky accolades, while Jeremy Clevenger was named the Coach of the Year in the conference.

The Vandals were edged by the preseason favorite Lumberjacks, 1-0, in the semifinals of the Big Sky tournament last season. The teams will have a rematch in the Kibbie Dome on October 1. Idaho also fell, 1-0, in a pair of closely contested matches to Montana during the regular season last spring. The Griz will make the trip again to Moscow this season, with the two squads playing on October 15.

The majority of last year's Big Sky tournament team returns for the Vandals this season. Twenty-two letter winners are back, including eight starters. Idaho did lose its leading scorers and First Team All-BSC players, Myah Merino and Kaysie Bruce, but two-time all-conference player Taylor Brust returns to anchor the Vandal backline, while Margo Scholesler, who was named Big Sky Honorable Mention following a stellar freshman campaign, is also set to return.  

The Vandals begin play on August 10 with an exhibition match at Seattle U, before hosting Washington State in an exhibition on August 13. The regular season begins on the road at North Dakota State on August 20. Big Sky play starts September 24 at Weber State. For the Vandals' full schedule click here.

2021 Big Sky Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Arizona – 71 (2)
2. Montana – 70 (4)
3. Northern Colorado – 66 (3)
4. Idaho – 56
5. Sacramento State – 48
T6. Weber State – 43 (1)
T6. Eastern Washington – 43
8. Southern Utah – 22
9. Portland State – 17
10. Idaho State – 14
() – Indicates first-place votes
 
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.