The Idaho women’s soccer team started its season with an exhibition match against the University of Oklahoma on Aug. 16 at Guy Wicks Field.
The Vandals, who are coming into the season with 13 new players including 11 freshmen, tied the Sooners 0-0 after two halves of play.
The Sooners’ offense dominated the first half with eight shots to Idaho’s one. The Vandal’s came out stronger in the second half and picked up offensively with five shots while Oklahoma kept up its pace with nine.
“Their midfield gave us some problems in the first half, we figured them out a little bit in the second half,” Idaho coach Pete Showler said. “It was a tactical situation and we weren’t communicating that well enough and when we did it was way better.”
While the Vandal offense struggled to mount an effective attack on the Sooners the two Vandal goalies put on a good showing during their first game of collegiate play. Sophomore Marina Siegl played the first half and is credited with one save. Freshman Torell Stewart came in for the second half and had an impressive six saves, shutting out the Sooner offense.
“Both keepers played great, both kept a clean sheet. Neither has played in a fall game before, both did very well.” Showler said.
Despite being a team with only four returning starters from the 2012 season, where the Vandals finished sixth in the WAC, the team is expected to do well this season.
Earlier this month the Vandals were picked to finish second in the WAC by the coach’s poll and three returning players — Katie Baran, Nitalia Zuniga and Chelsie Breen — were selected for the preseason all-WAC team.
The team will kick off its season play against Weber State in Ogden, Utah on Friday, Aug. 23. The Vandals start the season with five away games. They will return to Guy Wicks Field on Friday, Sept. 13, to take on Eastern Washington.
Curtis Ginnetti can be reached at [email protected]
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The Vandals will return to Guy Wicks Field on Friday, Sept. 13 against Eastern Washington University.