MOSCOW, Idaho – With the 2016 campaign just a few short months away, the Idaho soccer team has returned to the pitch in preparation for what will certainly be a season to remember.

For the first time, Idaho will have a target on its back, after running away with the Big Sky Conference Regular Season Championship last year at 9-0-1 in league play.  The Vandals return the majority of their contributors from last year, including all 11 starters.

There is still plenty of room for improvement, however, as the Vandals will face a very difficult schedule in 2016.  In preparation, head coach Derek Pittman and his staff have put together a grueling spring schedule to get the squad ready for the challenges to come.

Idaho gets things started against Gonzaga on April 3.  Kickoff from Spokane is set for 3:30 p.m.

The Vandals then head out to Portland, Ore., on April 10, for a pair of games against Concordia and Seattle U.  Seattle U took home the WAC Regular Season title last season, finishing the year 8-0-2.

Idaho then heads up to Spokane to take part in the Gonzaga 7v7 tournament on April 16.

The Vandals return to Moscow for Alumni Weekend the following week, starting with the team banquet on April 22.  The coaching staff and administration will recognize the excellence of the 2015 team at the annual awards banquet at the Best Western, beginning with a social hour at 7 p.m.

The current squad will take on the alumni the following morning at 9 a.m. and then host North Idaho College at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 24.  Admission for both games is free to the public.

Idaho wraps up spring play with a pair of games in Tri-Cities, Wash., against Eastern Oregon and Central Washington on April 30.

“The spring is a tremendous opportunity for our players to get better and add new facets to their game physically, mentally, technically and tactically, said Pittman.  “In the first eight weeks, we really focused on our team's physical and mental growth so that every one of our players could reach new heights and personal records in the weight room. Now our staff is concentrated on raising the standards technically and tactically to help our players improve on the field. These spring games are just another step in our development and will be great tests for our experienced group to continue getting better as we look to our 2016 season.”

The Vandals enjoyed a tremendous 2015 season, setting program records for goals, assists, points and shutouts while tying the school record for wins.  Idaho advanced to the Big Sky Championship Game before falling on penalty kicks to Northern Colorado.  The Vandals currently boast the longest unbeaten streak in the nation, at 14 games.  

Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho soccer by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsSoccer, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Women's Soccer.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.