Great Falls, Mont. – After a successful road trip, the University of Providence men's soccer team looks forward to a big weekend at Argo Field against undefeated conference foe Corban University on Friday.
The Argos (4-2, 6-2-1) are coming off a successful road sweep, including a game-winning goal from
Ole Cloppenburg in the final minutes that led them to a
victory over Eastern Oregon on Saturday. They'll hope to use that momentum against #24 ranked Corban (6-0, 8-0-1).
"Our mindset is we should win," head coach
Matt Ball said. "We're at home. We have dropped at least one game that we shouldn't have dropped so we should be up there in the top of the standings as well."
The Argos have had multiple close games that they've battled through with victories. Ball is hoping that the adversity they've faced will help them as they return for the first time in three weeks.
"They're all enjoying themselves," Ball said. "They know the importance of this game. They are confident to go out there and take care of business. They're all excited to be back home for an extended period of time when they've been gone for two weeks as well."
The heavyweight matchup comes at a time when the field conditions will be less than ideal. After a snowstorm earlier in the week, Argo Field was covered with eight inches of snow. On Thursday, both Argo soccer teams, athletic administration staff, coaches from other Argo teams, and University of Providence faculty helped clear the snow from the field with shovels.
"It'll be nice to be back home even if the weather is questionable," Ball said. "I am going to presume the field isn't going to be in the greatest of conditions which doesn't really suit either of us because we both like to play a little bit."
However this is nothing new for the Argos, who haven't practiced much in the past few weeks due to the previous snowstorm.
"We still haven't really had the opportunity to practice properly," Ball said. "We haven't had a proper practice in three weeks now. It's difficult, but the guys are used to difficult situations. They'll overcome it. It might take them a little bit of time, but they'll overcome it just like they did this past weekend."
Despite the snow, the game is expected to take place in fairly nice conditions. The high for Friday's 1 p.m. game is 50 degrees, while Saturday's game against Northwest Christian might take place in the 60s.
Can't make the game? Follow along online at
www.upargos.com or on Twitter at
@UPArgos.