MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho soccer hits the road for the first time in Big Sky Conference play Thursday, traveling to Greeley to take on Northern Colorado at Jackson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11 AM PST.
The Vandals enter the matchup with a 7-2-3 overall record and 1-0-1 in conference play after earning four points during their opening weekend of Big Sky action. In the opening week of conference play, Idaho opened with a 1-1 draw against Weber State and an iconic 3-0 victory over Idaho State.
The Black and Gold wasted no time getting on the board Sunday afternoon against the Bengals. Hallie Prino-Grumbach found her third goal of the season only 48 seconds into the match. Georgia Whitehead doubled the lead with a left footer in the 19th minute before Makenna Stuart added the final goal in the 27th, giving the Vandals a 3-0 lead before the half.
Idaho's offense took control of the match from start to finish, outshooting Idaho state 24-3, holding a 10-1 advantage in shots on goal. The Vandals earned 12 corner kicks while the defense prevented Idaho State from recording a corner.
The defense for Idaho continues to be its biggest strength. The Vandals have allowed only six goal through 12 matches while recording 7 seven shutouts. The control from the offense and defense is obvious in-person and on paper with the Vandals having a collective 83-28 shots on goal advantage this season.
Thursday's match begins a two-game road swing for Idaho with the Vandals in Northern Arizona on Sunday before returning home.
Northern Colorado enters conference play with a 3-5-2 overall record, with Thursday's matchup opening conference play for the Bears.
UNC has scored eight goals through their 10 non-conference matches while allowing 19. Northern Colorado averages 8.3 shots per game and put 37 of 83 attempts on goal. Defensively, UNC's goalkeepers have a combined 60 saves over 10 matches.
Senior Forward, Lexi Tuite, leads the Bears with two goals and assists. Northern Colorado has received goals from five different players throughout the first 10 weeks of the season.
The Bears return home after playing their final three non-conference matches on the road. Northern Colorado's home record is 2-2-2, including notable victories over Colorado State and Air Force.
Thursday marks the beginning of a conference play for Northern Colorado and the first of two consecutive home matches for the Bears.
UP NEXT
The Vandals take on Northern Arizona on Sunday at 1 PM PST.
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Idaho Soccer, follow the team on Instagram (@vandalssoccer), X (@vandal_soccer), and visit govandals.com
