Soccer program earns prestigious award
1/6/2022 11:31:00 AM | Soccer
The Montana soccer team, no stranger to championship trophies and other on- and off-field honors, has for the first time under fourth-year coach Chris Citowicki earned the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award from the United Soccer Coaches.
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"It's always been in the back of my mind," Citowicki said. "It's been a goal of the program over time as we've evolved our playing style.
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"You want to play a certain way while keeping it clean, keeping it within certain boundaries and not being known as a dirty team. That's not what we want to be known as."
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Montana was one of just 113 collegiate teams across all NCAA divisions to receive the award, one of only 13 Division I programs, out of 336, to be recognized.
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The award is divided into Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels. The Grizzlies landed in the Bronze category for having yellow or red cards issued in 31 to 50 percent of its matches.
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Montana was issued just eight yellow cards in 20 matches last season, no red cards.
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The Grizzlies went 13-6-1 last fall and won the Big Sky Conference tournament to advance to its sixth NCAA tournament, its third appearance in four years under Citowicki.
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Montana trailed in just eight of 20 matches in the fall and went more than 690 minutes in the middle of the season without playing from behind, a position that can lead to more risk-taking and more aggressive play, which can lead to more fouls and cards being issued.
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"Over time, as you get better players and evolve your style of play, you get more comfortable being in possession and keeping the ball. You don't have to foul," said Citowicki. "It's nice to see the program evolve over time."
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"It's always been in the back of my mind," Citowicki said. "It's been a goal of the program over time as we've evolved our playing style.
Â
"You want to play a certain way while keeping it clean, keeping it within certain boundaries and not being known as a dirty team. That's not what we want to be known as."
Â
Montana was one of just 113 collegiate teams across all NCAA divisions to receive the award, one of only 13 Division I programs, out of 336, to be recognized.
Â
The award is divided into Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels. The Grizzlies landed in the Bronze category for having yellow or red cards issued in 31 to 50 percent of its matches.
Â
Montana was issued just eight yellow cards in 20 matches last season, no red cards.
Â
The Grizzlies went 13-6-1 last fall and won the Big Sky Conference tournament to advance to its sixth NCAA tournament, its third appearance in four years under Citowicki.
Â
Montana trailed in just eight of 20 matches in the fall and went more than 690 minutes in the middle of the season without playing from behind, a position that can lead to more risk-taking and more aggressive play, which can lead to more fouls and cards being issued.
Â
"Over time, as you get better players and evolve your style of play, you get more comfortable being in possession and keeping the ball. You don't have to foul," said Citowicki. "It's nice to see the program evolve over time."
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