Coming off a 12-3-3 2022 season, the Idaho Vandals opened their 2023 spring slate in Pullman Washington, taking on the Washington State Cougars. Seven p.m. hit, the lights were on, rain came down and Vandal Soccer was back.
The Vandals and Cougars showed their rust with some bad passes and turnovers early. Neither team was able to get control of the game until midway through the first half.
The Vandals got the first real chance of the game, getting fouled just outside the 18-yard box. Midfielder Margo Schoesler took the free kick however, the kick went straight into the wall of the Cougars defense.
Washington State woke up after that and started putting pressure on the Vandals. They pressed high and forced multiple Vandals’ turnovers. Despite the awoken Cougars, goalkeeper Kira Witte made sure to take the Vandals into the half tied 0-0.
After a frustrating half for both teams, Washington State put Idaho on its heels. The Cougars sent a cross into the box, Witte couldn’t handle it cleanly, and Washington state capitalized with a tap-in goal to put the Cougars up 1-0.
Idaho tried to shake off WSU’s goal with some offense of their own. After not getting a single shot on goal in the first half, the Vandals finally had a chance. However, the Cougars’ defense held up to keep the ball out of the net.
The Cougars became more aggressive and physical as the half went along. Their physicality led to another goal, putting WSU up 2-0. Idaho was unable to figure out the Cougars, finishing their first spring game with a 2-0 loss.
Despite the loss, head coach Jeremy Clevenger liked the challenge Washington State brought the Vandals.
“It’s a good game for us,” Clevenger said. “They were very physical, they pressed us, and these types of games will help us come conference time.”
With the Vandals still trying to replace star midfielder Savannah Foster, Clevenger believes that spring is a big opportunity.
“Savannah was amazing for us,” he said. “When you lose an impactful player, the rest of the team has to step up. I think it’s also a good opportunity for some players to step into Savannah’s role.”
The Vandals have five games left of the spring season and for some players, it is their best chance to earn some playing time.
“We will definitely give… our players opportunities to play and prove themselves,” Clevenger said. “That’s what spring’s about.” The Vandals next test will be the spring home opener against conference foe Eastern Washington on April 7 at 6 p.m.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JaydenBarfuss10