U Soccer (2-0) opens its 2005 home schedule Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Ute Field against Utah Valley State College. On Sunday, also at 1 p.m., the Idaho Vandals head into Salt Lake City.
"We are fired up to get going here at home," head coach Rich Manning said. "We have several players who have not played in front of the home crowd in a long time. We also have a few freshmen who are eager to perform here at Ute Field."
The Utes are being careful not to look past UVSC, whose team is traditionally scheduled in something of a warm-up capacity.
"UVSC has built up a solid group of players in only a couple of years of playing Division-I soccer," Manning said.
"They came here and gave us an excellent game last year. I expect much of the same on Saturday."
Sunday will mark Utah's first meeting with Idaho, a squad that boasts a new coach in Pete Showler, who has "injected the team with confidence," Manning said.
"They gave Washington State a terrific test last weekend before falling in overtime. They will be well organized and a tough team to break down on defense," Manning said.
Manning would welcome two more easy wins this weekend, which would help the U climb up the national rankings. The Utes were ranked No. 22 in the most recent Soccer Buzz Magazine Top 30 poll, released Tuesday.
Junior goalkeeper Ashley Mason was also named the Mountain West Conference Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week after saving nine shots in two shutout performances last weekend.
Manning's squad is keen to continue their hot start.
"I think the fans will see a hungry team that is eager to build on our two victories this weekend," Manning said.
The Utes play their first-ever home night game against Purdue at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9 at Ute Field-thanks to four light towers erected during the off-season.
The U will also take on Denver at Ute Field next Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m.
mpiper@chronicle.utah.edu
