MISSOULA, Mont. – Big Sky play is finally here, as Idaho (3-3-2) heads out to take on Montana (4-3-2) on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. Pacific.

FOLLOW –Live stats and video links are available on the right.  Fans can also follow along live on Twitter, @VandalsSoccer.
 
PREVIEW – Idaho dropped its final non-conference game of the season, 3-2, at CSU Bakersfield.  The Vandals got down early, trailing 2-0 at the half, but fought their way back into things with a pair of goals over a 37-second period in the second half.  The Runners would capitalize on a set piece late in the game to score the winner.
 
Montana played a very challenging non-conference schedule and enters the opening weekend of Big Sky competition 0-2-1 over its last three.
 
MATCHUP – Idaho is 5-7-0 all-time against Montana, including a pair of wins at home last season.  The first came early in conference play, with Idaho winning 3-1.  The second came during the Big Sky Tournament Semifinals, with Idaho taking the 3-2 win.
 
The two teams have played two common opponents so far this season.  Montana defeated Boise State at home, 1-0, and fell at Gonzaga, 1-0.  Idaho drew with Gonzaga at home, 2-2, and defeated Boise State on the road, 1-0.
 
ROAD WARRIORS – The Vandals will play seven straight games away from home, missing the majority of the month of September.  The stretch includes the final five games of the non-conference schedule and the first two Big Sky games of the season.  So far, the Vandals are 2-2-1 on the stretch.
 
RANKINGS – Idaho was picked by the Big Sky coaches to repeat in 2016, after receiving five first place votes and garnering 92 of a possible 100 points.  The Vandals are currently the sixth-ranked team in the Big Sky according to RPI at 233.  Eastern Washington is the top-ranked team in the conference at 104, while Montana is third at 150.
 
NOTES – For more notes and stats, check the notes package on the right.
 
RECAP – Check back with GoVandals.com following the game for the complete recap and reactions.
 
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.