Josh Grissom | Staff Writer
When the Idaho soccer team steps on the field later this month to face Eastern Washington, the team will not only be hoping to claim a victory over one of the top teams in the Big Sky Conference. The Vandals will also be seeking an opportunity to host the Big Sky Tournament.
The Vandals (8-4-1) have stormed through their conference schedule so far, earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory over conference contender Sacramento State earlier this week. The women’s soccer program has already doubled its win total from last season, but the team is now turning its attention toward a much bigger goal.
Idaho and Eastern Washington are tied atop the Big Sky. Like the Vandals, the Eagles have a 4-0 record in conference play, so the regular-season title may be decided on the final day of the season when the two teams meet at Guy Wicks Field.
The program that earns the best record in conference play at the conclusion of the season will host the Big Sky tournament — a playoff between the top six teams in the conference.
If the Vandals are able to emerge from this season as the best team in the conference, they will host the postseason tournament at Guy Wicks Field. This would signify a huge step forward for the women’s soccer program, which finished with only four wins total last season.
Head coach Derek Pittman has orchestrated quite a turnaround season, despite the relative youth of numerous starters. Freshman goalie Amanda Poertner has produced an outstanding season so far with six total shutouts, including the last three games for the Vandals.
If the Vandals continue their dazzling success on the pitch, they have an excellent chance to host the postseason tournament for the Big Sky.
The chance to host the tournament would provide immediate benefits for the university, including the chance to expose young recruits to the college and the Vandals’ soccer program.
Another positive aspect is home-field advantage for the women’s soccer team. The Vandals are 4-0-1 at Guy Wicks Field this season and the opportunity to play on their own turf during the postseason tournament could prove the deciding factor in a pivotal game.
However, the Vandals still need to finish the season strong for a shot at Eastern Washington and the Big Sky regular-season title. The Vandals played the Eagles earlier this season, falling 2-1 as a result of back-to-back Eagle goals during the 24th and 25th minutes.
Idaho is in the midst of a four-game home streak, but they hit the road Oct. 10 to begin a three-game road trip against other conference heavyweights, including North Dakota and Northern Colorado.
The Vandals have five conference games left before they meet the Eagles on Oct. 30 at Guy Wicks Field.
Josh Grissom can be reached at [email protected]