Idaho soccer winless in final four Big Sky games
The Vandals went into their final weekend of Big Sky play tied for second place with Portland State, but after two, two-goal losses over the weekend, the Idaho soccer team (4-13-2 overall, 4-4-2 Big Sky) is tied for sixth place.
File photo by Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Freshman midfielder Crystal Oliva hits a header during Wednesday’s practice at Guy Wicks Field. The Vandals lost at Sacramento State and Portland State over the weekend to fall to sixth place in the conference.
The Vandals will sweat out the final weekend of Big Sky play from the sidelines to see if they have done enough to earn a berth in the Big Sky Tournament.
Coming off a 4-2 loss Friday to Sacramento State (9-9, 4-5), Idaho went into its final conference game before it started to prepare for a Thursday game with Illinois State in Normal, Illinois.
Sunday, the Vandals lost 3-1 to Portland State. The Pilots jumped to a quick lead, as junior forward Cori Bianchini recovered her own blocked shot and got it past sophomore goalkeeper Torell Stewart within minutes of the ball going live.
“It’s been a tough run of games these last couple weeks, but we showed good character to keep giving our best every time we step out,” Idaho coach Derek Pittman said.
The Vandals still have a shot at the Big Sky Tournament, although it’s not guaranteed now.
“The Big Sky standings are still up in the air and we will hope for the best from the other results to see if we can get into the tournament,” Pittman said.
The Pilots added two more goals before Idaho freshman midfielder Olivia Baggerly kicked the fourth goal of her freshman campaign late in the second half.
Should the Vandals finish in the top six in the final Big Sky standings, they will travel to Missoula, Montana, home of regular season champion Montana, for the Big Sky Tournament on Nov. 6. The Grizzlies are the only team to clinch a tournament berth thus far. Idaho’s fate depends on how Northern Arizona, Southern Utah, Northern Colorado, Idaho State and Sacramento State finish in the standings next weekend.
“I give credit to Portland State, they are a quality team and did a great job finishing their chances,” Pittman said. “But I am still very proud of our players’ toughness and the fact they never quit.”
Portland State outshot Idaho by a final count of 14-7 including 10-4 on goal. Idaho freshman forward Josilyn Daggs and PSU freshman defender Maddie Prehoda were tied for the lead in shots, with three each. At the half, the teams were tied at five shots each.
Despite the season finale against Illinois State being virtually useless in deciding the final standings, Pittman and the Vandals are not talking Illinois State lightly, he said.
“We will continue focusing on what is important to building a championship culture here at Idaho and prepare for Illinois State just like any other opponent,” Pittman said.
Joshua Gamez can be reached at [email protected]