The last time Idaho soccer was on the pitch, it was under California’s sunny November weather during its 1-0 loss to Utah State in the WAC tournament.
Fast-forward to Sunday when the Vandals opened their spring soccer schedule with similar weather at home on the SprinTurf, and defeated Montana 2-0.
“They were so excited to get out here and play, and the performance was good. I am very pleased,” Idaho coach Pete Showler said.
Idaho built momentum early by dominating possession in the midfield and constantly moved the ball wide to push the attack. It culminated late in the first half when midfielder Jill Flockhart swung a cross into the box that Erica Hart headed to the back of the net to give Idaho the lead.
“Before the game, me, Erica (Hart) and Chelsea (Small) talked about working off each other,” Flockhart said. “I know we haven’t really played much up front. We worked on … making the right runs and getting there for each other.”
Hart, who has been a defender throughout her Idaho career, played forward against Montana. The position change, which paid off in goal highlights, showcased what Sholwer said spring soccer allows him to do — experiment with different formations and roles.
“We tried some different things, tried some different combination of players, and it worked for the most part,” Showler said. “That’s what the spring is about. Every player works hard to improve over the spring.”
Idaho maintained the pressure in the second half, scoring on another header with Lauren Layton playing a cross into the box and Christine Boddie finished, netting a two to nil lead.
“I was anticipating the cross in,” Boddie said. “Once I saw it, I knew it was coming straight to me and I told myself ‘this has got to go in.'”
Idaho entered the spring returning every starter and bench player who garnered minutes during Idaho’s run in the WAC tournament last season.
“That is going to be so nice this season,” Flockhart said. “I don’t know how many teams can say that.”
The list of returning players for Idaho includes senior goalkeeper Liz Boyden, off a medical redshirt, who is likely to reclaim her starting position.
Players such as Christina Boddie, Cassandra San and Nikki Adams who didn’t play substantially last season are expected to play larger roles this season.
“The spring is always going to be different, but they are similar with their special players in Jill and Chelsea,” Montana coach Mark Plakorus said. “Pete has done a great job getting his type of players in so they’re pretty engrained in what they’re doing. They are a very, very good team.”
The next spring action is March 25, when Idaho hosts the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Gonzaga defeated Idaho 3-0 last fall in Spokane.