GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence men's soccer team will open Cascade Collegiate Conference play this weekend with a home match against Rocky Mountain College. The game will kick off at 1:00 p.m., Sept. 18 at Argo Field.

"We're very excited to start conference play," interim head coach Michael Rahn said. " Now we're into the heart of the season. We're ready to get this thing rolling and see how we respond to all the challenges that conference presents."

The Argos (0-2) will have their work cut out for them. The team is coming off a tough loss last weekend against Jamestown, falling 0-5 to the Jimmies. The squad has responded well in practice however, and is motivated to play against their in-state rival.

"We've spent this week defining our roles, figuring out who we are and how we can better work together," Rahn said. "I think we have a better understanding of each other strengths and weaknesses."

The Battlin' Bears (3-0-1), who are receiving votes in NAIA National Poll, will be a tough test for the Argos. The team is stout defensively, recording three shutouts on the year.

"Their program is highly-established," Rahn said. "They're a top twenty program in the country. They have a lot of seniors on their roster. They're very deep, and they've all been together a long time. It's definitely going to be a challenge for us. Historically, it's my understanding that we've given them good games. We hope to give them one more tomorrow."

The Argos have a strong defensive line as well, headlined by keeper Evan Scholes and center backs Joel Samayoa and Matthew Wilkinson. The Argos also plan to emphasize their offensive weapons, George Almeida, Kolby Hayes and Kevin Vasquez-Hernandez, into their gameplan. 

"It should be a fun one tomorrow," Rahn said. "Hopefully we can put on a good show."