MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho soccer opens the 2026 regular season on Wednesday, taking on Washington State at 6 PM in Pullman. This match up features a few familiar faces for the Vandals, as the Cougars enter the season with a roster and coaching staff with strong ties to Big Sky rival Montana.  

After eight seasons as head coach for UM, Chris Citowicki enters his first year at the helm for WSU, bringing 10 of his former athletes with him. During his time with the Grizzlies, Citowicki compiled a 79-39-32 record winning three-consecutive regular season titles, 2023 Big Sky Coach of Year Honors, and the 2025 Big Sky Tournament Championship. 

As the Cougars welcome 23 new athletes in addition to nine returners, the 10 Montana transfers bring a level of experience and familiarity that has the potential to ease the transition for Coach Citowicki in his first season in the PAC-12.  

That consistency adds another layer of excitement to Wednesday's season opener. Idaho and Montana met in the semifinals of the 2025 Big Sky Tournament, with the Griz advancing to win the title. Because of this, the Vandals have recent experience against both the players and the system they will see on the field in Pullman.  

A notable star joining the roster from Montana is senior Ashlyn Dvorak, who earned Big Sky Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, First-team All-Big Sky Conference, and Big Sky Conference MVP after recording 63 saves, nine shutouts, and 11 goals against in the 2-25 season.  

Wednesday's matchup against Washington State may mark a new era for the Cougars under Citowicki, it presents an early opportunity to prove themselves against a regional rival in the Vandals, who project to, once again, be a force in the Big Sky Conference as the #2 team in the league's preseason polls in year eight under Jeremy Clevenger. 

Kickoff between Idaho and Washington State is set for 6 PM Wednesday in Pullman. 

UP NEXT  

Idaho's home opener against CSUN is this Saturday, at 6 PM in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.  

FOLLOW THE VANDALS  
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