MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho soccer opens Big Sky Conference play Thursday night as the Vandals welcome Weber State to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. Kickoff is set for 7 PM. Thursday's match will also serve as Idaho's Kick Cancer Night, with fans encouraged to wear pink in support of the cause.
The matchup features the top two teams from the Big Sky preseason coaches' poll. Weber State was selected as the preseason favorite with five first-place votes and 74 points, while Idaho followed closely behind with four first-place votes and 70 points.
Idaho enters conference play with a 6-2-2 record, putting together a strong non-conference campaign. The Vandals closed out their non-conference slate Friday with a 1-1 draw against Gonzaga in Moscow. Mia Boltz scored Idaho's lone goal off an assist from Georgia Whitehead to help the Vandals earn the draw.
Defense has been a noticeable strength for the Black and Gold through the first 10 matches this season, allowing just five goals total, while recording six shutouts. Goalkeeper Paula Flores has played all 900 minutes for the Vandals posting a .50 goals-against average. With the six shutouts, Flores has become the new record holder for all-time shutouts in program history.
The Vandals have also found production throughout their lineup offensively. Alyssa Hamilton leads Idaho with six points, while Payton Oelkers and Hallie Prinos-Grumbach each have five. Hamilton, Oelkers, Prinos-Grumbach and Calli Chiarelli are tied for the team lead with two goals apiece, while Miranda Goldner leads the Vandals with three assists.
Weber State arrives in Moscow with a 4-5-1 record after closing non-conference play with a 3-1 victory over Colorado State. The Wildcats scored three times in an 11-minute stretch, with Cadence Packer and Lily Blum finding the back of the net alongside a Colorado State own goal.
Senior defender/forward, Blum leads the Wildcats offensively with three goals and seven points through 10 matches. Simone Packer has added two goals, Oakley Anderson has recorded a goal and an assist. Weber State has scored 12 goals while allowing 18 through its non-conference schedule.
Thursday's matchup begins a nine-game Big Sky slate for Idaho and marks the first of two consecutive home conference matchups. The Vandals will remain in Moscow to host Idaho State on Sunday before heading on the road for matches against Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona.
Kickoff between the Vandals and Wildcats is set for 7 PM Thursday at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
UP NEXT
Idaho remains at home to host Idaho State on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
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