Sometimes the offseason can feel like an eternity for players — drill after drill, constant early mornings and late nights perfecting the game plan and techniques.
But it is time to put on the uniform and start the regular season for Idaho soccer, who kicks off its first game against their in-state rival, the Boise State Broncos.
“There’s no better way to kick off than with a game with this kind of atmosphere and with a rivalry,” Idaho Head Coach Jeremy Clevenger said. “I think it is great for both teams. Not many schools have rivals like this.”
The Vandals are coming off a 2018 season where they finished with a 9-7-3 overall record, 6-1-2 in conference play.
Losing nine solid players to graduation, including major pieces to one of the best defenses in program history, Clevenger said he is expecting those big shoes to be filled by returning players.
Jeremy Clevenger Idaho athletics
“Every year we are going to ask the returners to lead the way,” Clevenger said. “I think they have earned the right. They have all done a great job in the spring and stepping up this preseason, stepping up into those leadership roles and taking the freshman underneath their wings.”
One of the returning leaders is junior midfielder Taylor Brust, who learned great skills from her former captains.
“It is really exciting,” Brust said. “(Olivia Baggerly), Kelly (Dopke), (Claire Johnson) and all of them were great. It was such a smooth transition from learning under them, I have no fears or worries when it comes to my role. I just want to give to all the other people on the team.”
One of the most exciting games from this rivalry was the clash in 2017 between the Vandals and Broncos that ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw thanks to a last-second Vandal goal in front of an NCAA record 4,171 person crowd for an NCAA women’s indoor soccer game.
Brust was on the field during that record-breaking game and assisted on the game-tying goal. She has been trying to prepare the new underclassmen for the kind of experience this game could be. However, Brust thinks they might just have to experience it firsthand.
“It is definitely going to be different for (the younger players),” Brust said. “I know they have never experienced anything like it and it’s hard to explain or paint the picture to them, but I hope once they walk out and see how many people are out there, they put the picture together and get the same excited emotion.”
Home field advantage will be crucial for Idaho, as they are going up against one of the best forwards in the country. Bronco senior forward Raimee Sherle scored 20 goals last season, tied for the most in the NCAA in 2018.
As one of the best offensive threats Idaho will face all year, shutting her down in front of a packed crowd will be key if the Vandals want to start off their season with a win.
Idaho plays Boise State 7 P.M. Friday in the Kibbie Dome.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @kellogg_zack.