FARMINGTON, Utah – Idaho soccer was picked to finish seventh in the Big Sky Conference, the league office announced this afternoon. Montana was selected to finish first with 70 points.

The Vandals took 34 points in the poll, just behind Weber State in sixth place. The top five teams in the poll all received at least one first place vote, led by Montana with four.

The last time Idaho was selected seventh in the preseason poll was the 2018 season, in which the Vandals went on to finish second with a record of 6-1-2.

The Vandals will play the teams picked to finish first and second, Montana and Northern Colorado, respectively, on the road back-to-back. However, Idaho will welcome Eastern Washington, who was selected third, and Sacramento State, who was picked fourth, to the Kibbie Dome.

Eight starters return for the Vandal squad, with 17 total letter winners from a year ago coming back for the 2020 season.

Big Sky play is scheduled to begin October 2, with the Vandals traveling to Southern Utah. Due to Covid-19, the league will not have a conference championship. The team who wins the regular season will be crowned champion and earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

2020 Big Sky Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Montana – 70 (4)
2. Northern Colorado – 69 (2)
3. Eastern Washington – 66 (2)
4. Sacramento State – 65 (1)
5. Northern Arizona – 49 (1)
6. Weber State – 40
7. Idaho – 34
8. Portland State – 22
9. Idaho State – 18
10. Southern Utah – 17
() – Indicates first-place votes
 
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