The 2026 regular season for Idaho’s soccer team officially begins on Wednesday evening, when the Cougars travel to face Washington State in Pullman. The kickoff is set for 6 p.m., marking the first test of a roster that blends fresh talent with a strong connection to Montana.
A Coach With a Proven Track Record
Chris Citowicki, who spent eight seasons at the University of Montana before taking the helm at Washington State, arrives with a distinguished résumé. He guided the Grizzlies to a 79‑39‑32 record, captured three straight regular‑season titles and secured the 2025 Big Sky Tournament championship. His decision to bring ten former UM players adds continuity and depth to the new squad.
Key Players to Watch
Among the newcomers, senior goalkeeper Ashlyn Dvorak stands out. Hailing from Montana, Dvorak earned Big Sky Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, First‑team All‑Big Sky and MVP honors for her performances last season. Her experience between the posts is expected to anchor a defense that will face an early challenge against a regional rival.
The Cougars will field 23 newcomers alongside nine returning athletes, creating a blend of youth and veteran savvy. Ten of those fresh faces are transfers from Montana, bringing familiarity with the conference style and a shared history with the program’s recent successes. Preseason polls project Idaho as the #2 team in the Big Sky for the eighth consecutive year under coach Jeremy Clevenger, underscoring the program’s steady rise.
Early Test Against a Regional Rival
The matchup against Washington State is more than just a season opener; it serves as an early gauge of the Cougars’ competitiveness. Both teams entered the 2025 Big Sky Tournament, with the Grizzlies emerging victorious in a semifinal clash. That recent history adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the Cougars look to prove they can translate their conference pedigree onto a broader stage.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new coaching staff’s philosophy will mesh with the talent on display. If the early performance mirrors the program’s recent momentum, the 2026 campaign could cement Idaho’s status as a perennial contender in the Big Sky.