MOSCOW, Idaho – Head coach Derek Pittman and the University of Idaho soccer program are happy to announce the 2016 schedule. The Vandals have a difficult road ahead as they look to build upon an impressive 2015 campaign.
“We are very excited about the challenges that our 2016 schedule provides for our staff and players,” Pittman said. “It's nice to have a few non-conference regional rivalries on tap against Gonzaga, Seattle U and Boise State, as well as a few new opponents that will provide unique challenges on the road. Opening weekend will be a difficult split weekend at South Dakota and then at home versus a good Grand Canyon team but we hope to kick off 2016 the same way we ended 2015.”
The Vandals will play in one exhibition, against Eastern Oregon at home on Monday, August 15. Idaho kicks off the regular season at South Dakota on Friday, August 19. The Vandals will return to Moscow immediately for their home opener against Grand Canyon on Sunday, August 21, followed by local rival Gonzaga on Friday, August 26.
The Vandals then hit the road for a long stretch, lasting nearly a month. Idaho first heads to Hawaii, where it will take on Hawaii and St. Mary's on the first weekend in September. The following weekend, the Vandals take on a pair of familiar foes, in Seattle U (September 9) and Boise State (September 11). Idaho wraps up non-conference play at CSU-Bakersfield on September 18.
“It will be a difficult schedule because we play so many games away from home in September,” said Pittman. “But I believe it will strengthen and prepare our team for Big Sky matches, as we learn to fight for every result away from the comfort of our fans and home field advantage in Moscow.”
Defense of the Big Sky Regular Season Championship begins on September 23 with a trip to Montana. The Vandals will then take on Eastern Washington, the next highest ranked team in the Big Sky, on the 25th.
The squad returns home the following weekend to host defending tournament champions Northern Colorado (September 30) and North Dakota (October 2).
“The Big Sky schedule is always difficult because there is so much parity across the league,” said Pittman. “We can't afford to take any team lightly and must prepare for each equally. Our first few games are arguably against three of the top teams in the Big Sky so it will be important for us to get off to a good start in conference play. EWU and Northern Colorado are coming off great 2015 seasons and both of them did very well over the spring so both will be difficult to open up with along with a road game vs Montana. Every result and point matters in the conference so it will be important for us to protect our home field with wins and do our best to get points on the road.”
Another road swing comes up next, with games at Sacramento State (October 7), Portland State (October 9) and Weber State (October 14). The Vandals close the regular season at Guy Wicks, with their final three games coming against Northern Arizona (October 21), Southern Utah (October 23) and Idaho State (28).
The Big Sky Tournament gets underway on Thursday, November 3 at the site of the regular season champion. The top six teams will advance to the tournament, with the top two earning a first round bye.
“Our aim again this year will be to finish as high up the standings as possible to make the conference tournament so we can challenge for a conference championship and qualify for the NCAA Tournament,” Pittman said. “We have a great roster of players coming into preseason and we have set a standard now that we are a program that is capable of competing for championships on an annual basis. With focus, hard work and togetherness we feel this team will be talented enough to be in that position again in 2016.”
The Vandals had a breakout year in 2015, going unbeaten in Big Sky play and winning its first ever regular season conference championship. Idaho tied the program record for wins and set school records in goals, assists, points and shutouts. The Vandals return the vast majority of their lineup in 2016, after losing just one senior to graduation.
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.
