Guy Wicks Field is notorious throughout the Big Sky Conference for being one of the most difficult pitches to win on.
The 2015 season is a prime example of the struggle visiting teams face at this field. The Vandal soccer team did not surrender a home loss, cruising through the year with a 7-0-2 record in Moscow.
With an impressive showing at home, many Big Sky soccer fans find themselves asking what makes Guy Wicks Field a difficult place to play.
The answer – partially – is the wind.
The Palouse is infamous for its windy conditions, and the placement of Guy Wicks Field adds to the phenomena. The wind blows continuously toward the east goal, providing burdensome conditions for defenders and goalkeepers on this side of the field.
Meanwhile, the other team benefits from a wind-aided attack, as players enjoy increased unpredictability and velocity with shots.
The conditions were no different Sunday, as 15-to-20 mile per hour wind presented an obstacle throughout the majority of Idaho’s matchup with Grand Canyon. While members of the Lopes soccer team often appeared flustered by conditions, Vandal players used the weather to their advantage.
Despite defending the east goal during the first half of play, the Vandals were able to produce a counterattack against the wind. After a foul outside the box provided Idaho with a free kick, junior forward Olivia Baggerly scored on the set piece to give her team the early lead.
Grand Canyon found a way to capitalize on the consistent breeze, as a corner kick for the Lopes ricocheted around the box until it was punched in by junior defender Madison Cox.
Idaho’s familiarity with the wind was apparent in the second half, when the two teams switched sides.
Junior goalkeeper Blakely Fraasch of Grand Canyon had trouble adjusting, as her goal kicks rarely extended more than 25 yards. In addition, Fraasch misjudged a number of corners and set pieces by Idaho, resulting in two Vandal goals in the second half.
The first came on a header from sophomore midfielder Megan Goo in the 74th minute following a cross from senior defender Madison Moore. The second came five minutes later when junior defender Josilyn Daggs netted her first career goal. The junior lofted a curling shot that caught the wind to find the upper right corner of the net from 20 yards out.
The 3-1 win for Idaho showcases the team’s ability to adapt to weather conditions and use it as an advantage.
With an unbeaten home streak that extends back to October 2014, the Vandals have established a dominating presence at Guy Wicks Field thanks to strong defense and a swift counterattack. But in home matches, spectators can say the Idaho starters are joined by an unofficial 12th member – the wind.
Josh Grissom can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @GoshJrissom