The Montana soccer program, led by new head coach Stuart Gore, has announced its fall schedule as they aim for a fourth consecutive Big Sky Conference title. The Grizzlies will start with an exhibition match in Columbia Falls, followed by a home opener against Bucknell. Their schedule includes five home matches in the Big Sky, culminating in hosting the Big Sky Championship in November. Last season, Montana made history by winning three consecutive outright regular-season titles and capturing the league tournament in front of a record crowd.

By the Numbers
  • Montana holds an 18-1-5 record in Big Sky matches over the last three years.
  • They will open their season against Bucknell on August 13, aiming to extend a home record of 42-8-13 over the last seven seasons.
Yes, But

Gore acknowledges the challenges of leading a team with more newcomers than returners, which presents hurdles in building team dynamics. Despite previous successes, upcoming matches against strong non-conference opponents could test the team's resilience.

State of Play
  • The team's current roster stands at 22 with expectations for more additions when the NCAA transfer portal opens.
  • Upcoming matches include a road trip to face tough teams like Washington and Gonzaga, who have proven competitive in past seasons.
What's Next

The Grizzlies begin their Big Sky schedule on October 1, with critical road matches against new conference members Southern Utah and Utah Tech. The performance in these initial matches will be vital for their standings in the league.

Bottom Line

Montana soccer stands at a crossroads, balancing the weight of past successes with the need to mesh a new roster quickly. Success this season will hinge on how well the newcomers integrate and adapt to the championship pedigree of their program.