After losing their first spring game to Washington State, the Vandals looked to bounce back against a conference foe in Eastern Washington. Last season, Idaho closed out their season with a 2-1 victory over EWU. This time around, Eastern struck first, but their attempt for revenge fell short as the Vandals won 2-1.
With one spring game down, head coach Jeremy Clevenger expanded the lineup. With over 30 players on the roster, this offered an opportunity for players to prove themselves. The message from the Vandals team huddle was to start fast. However, with a heavily rotated starting lineup, the Vandals looked shaky in the beginning and paid the price.
In the fifth minute, a bouncing cross was misread by backup goalkeeper Brooke Auth and Eastern capitalized to go up 1-0. After an early mistake, the Vandals grew into the game, started to gain possession and started to get great chances on goal.
In the 23rd minute, the Vandals earned themselves a corner from the right side. Outside back Makenzie Burks put in an out-swinging ball to the back post. Midfielder Jayd Sprague followed the ball, beat her defender and headed it home to equalize the score for the Vandals.
After Sprague’s goal, starters rotated in-and-out for the rest of the first half. The Vandals were able to put the Eagles under pressure, however, without a consistent lineup on the field, Idaho was unable to capitalize on anything, leaving the score at 1-1 heading to halftime.
As the second half began, the Eagles were the ones with the most chances, taking control of the game back from the Vandals. With all the new players coming in and out of the game, the Vandals were unable to get a good rhythm going. Despite all the rotations, Idaho was able to score a game-winning goal in the final 10 minutes of the game.
In the 82nd minute, a ball was played to forward Jadyn Hanks. Defenders swarmed her, but the veteran player was able to make a move on one defender, put a shot on target and, with the help of a deflection from an Eastern defender, put the ball in to go up 2-1 with eight minutes remaining. With the lead in hand, all Idaho had to do was play defense. With the help of outside back Maya Hamilton, and the rest of the Vandals defense, Idaho was able to hold on and defeat Eastern 2-1, moving to 1-1 in spring ball.
The Vandals played over 20 different players last Friday, which allowed both new and returning players to get some experience under their belt before they head into the regular season this upcoming fall. The Vandals will remain home to play a double header on April 15. They’ll face Eastern Oregon at 1:30 p.m. before playing the College of Idaho at 4:00.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JaydenBarfuss10