Under the bright lights and roaring crowd of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, the Idaho Vandals women’s soccer team took care of business and won 2-1 against Indiana University Indianapolis in their first game at home this season.
The Vandals, behind two first-half goals by graduate midfielders Hannah Alfaro-Black and Margo Schoesler, defeated the Jaguars and improved their record to 3-2.
With excitement in the air for the first home game of the season, the game began just as the Vandals had hoped. In the sixth minute, junior outside back Kate Sprink crossed a looping cross that found the head of Alfaro-Black.
Alfaro-Black guided her header into the bottom right corner, gave the Vandals an early 1-0 lead, and gave Alfaro-Black her first goal of the season in what she hopes is not her last goal this season.
“The ball got switched and ended up with Kate Sprink, and she was able to give (me) service. I was just on the back post and was able to connect my head to the ball,” Alfaro-Black said.
“It felt really good,” Alfaro-Black continued. “I wanted to start a streak here. I’m hoping this is the first of many, and I can keep going as games progress.”
The Vandals were in firm control and dictated the game’s flow for most of the half. Their sharp combination of passing and teamwork made it difficult for the Jaguars. That teamwork paid off again a few minutes later, and the Vandals extended their lead.
In the 24th minute, sophomore midfielder Sara Rodgers picked up the ball just past midfield. She played the ball forward to senior midfielder Annika Farley.
Farley picked her head up and saw redshirt junior forward Sienna Gonzales streaking down the right wing. Gonzales received the ball, cut it back to her left foot, and played it with her left foot into space, which found Schoesler’s hot foot.
Schoesler struck the ball and curled it into the top right corner, giving the Vandals a 2-0 lead and her third goal in three straight games. The Vandals remained on the front foot the rest of the half and took a 2-0 lead in the locker room. The Jaguars, who registered 0 shots in the first half, came out and began to gain some momentum, and like the Vandals in the first half, struck early in the half.
In the 49th minute, senior forward Cassie Rodriquez stood over a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Rodriguez’s low shot took an awkward bounce and ended up in the back of the net, giving the Jaguars some hope.
Idaho’s experience and championship DNA took over. They were able to take control of the game, show their composure in crucial moments, hold off the Jaguars’ comeback attempt, and walk away with a well-deserved victory.
Even with the win, Head Coach Jeremy Clevenger thinks the Vandals can learn much from this game.
“(We) had a great first half, then let them back in the game, which is unfortunate,” Clevenger said. “But we created loads of chances, and I told them, this is a game that (is) a learning lesson for us about not keeping teams around.”
The Vandals took some punches early in the second back but were able to bounce back and adjust to the Jaguars’ adjustments. Alfaro-Black played a huge part in that through her composure on the ball and her leadership helped prevail the Vandals.
“Coming out at half, it was important to see what changes they were making and what changes we made,” Alfaro-Black said. “For a little bit there, they did have some momentum, but we were able to get things under control and settle into the game. I think we handled (it) well.”
The Vandals leaned on more of their experience throughout their team, especially the backline, to get over the line and get the win.
“They know those critical moments,” Clevenger said. “Experience matters in those situations. They’re a big part of us, seeing the game out, and (I’m) proud of them and what they did tonight.”
One of those players was Schoesler, who had a Steller start to the season with three goals in three straight games. Schoesler has been a big part of the Vandals’ success so far in the season and will be critical throughout the season as the Vandals look to defend their Big Sky Championship.
“She’s a great player; for her to find this kind of form and rhythm, I think once you find the back of the net, it becomes easier and easier,” Clevenger said.” She’s on a roll, hopefully that continues.”
The Vandals have a week off before they return home on Thursday, September 5, when they will face UC San Diego at 6 p.m.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected].