The Montana soccer team will host Mount Royal for its first and only exhibition match this Friday at Flip Darling Memorial Field in Columbia Falls. This event kicks off the Glacier Park College Soccer Showcase after a youth clinic featuring the Grizzlies. The match serves as a critical preparation step, especially after significant roster changes and the hiring of new head coach Stuart Gore. This year, Montana is looking to shake off the rust before opening the regular season against Bucknell on August 13.

By the Numbers
  • Montana lost its previous exhibition matches to Gonzaga and Air Force, but both teams went on to win Big Sky regular-season championships.
  • Only one returning starter, senior defender Lucie Rokos, will compete alongside 17 newcomers in a roster of 25 players.
Yes, But

Despite a roster mainly filled with newcomers and uncertainties in gameplay, exhibition matches can still reveal vital insights into team performance and cohesion. While previous losses did not impact the season outcomes, it remains important for the team to establish a sense of teamwork and strategy.

State of Play
  • Montana will face Mount Royal at 8 p.m. on Friday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
  • The team is coming off a challenging offseason with substantial turnover, leaving only one returning starter.
What's Next

Following the exhibition match against Mount Royal, Montana will prepare to kick off its regular season against Bucknell, utilizing insights gained during Friday鈥檚 game to refine strategies and lineups.

Bottom Line

For Montana, Friday鈥檚 match against Mount Royal is more than just an exhibition; it is a crucial opportunity to build team chemistry and lay the groundwork for a successful upcoming season amidst significant roster changes.