The Providence Pilots are set to launch their 2025 soccer campaign in style as they host the Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges on Saturday, September 6th. The match marks not only the Pilots' home opener but also a special moment in school history, taking place during Providence's 100-Year Centennial Festival. Fans can expect an action-packed day with live music, food trucks, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and more. The celebration begins early with an alumni soccer game at 10:30 a.m., bringing together generations of Pilots past and present.
Women's Soccer: Hungry for More
The women's team enters the season fueled by an 18-day training camp where they battled tough competition, including CCAA programs Medicine Hat College and Lethbridge College, along with a USPORT challenge against the University of Lethbridge. The pre-season grind has built chemistry, sharpened fitness, and strengthened the team's culture as they chase big goals this fall.
A standout of camp has been second-year striker Halle Owen, who has already tallied six goals in exhibition play and looks poised for a breakout year. Incoming freshman Matea Maras (Mission, BC) has turned heads in the midfield with her creativity, while Natalie Crichton (Langley, BC) brings height and composure to the backline. With 18 returners and six freshmen joining the roster, the Pilots are loaded with experience and depth, including senior center back Sarah Friesen and 3rd year's Catalina Hickey and Serena Negrich, who are sure to make their presence known on the pitch. Their ultimate focus? Earning a trip to Nationals in Red Deer, AB this November and hoisting the MCAC banner.
Head Coach Tory Walker, now entering his 10th season at the helm, is confident in his group's growth and determination.
"This is a really exciting year for me, seeing as its my 10th year as head coach for the Pilots women's soccer team.
The past 4 of 5 years, we have been building a team that suits the style that I want us to play this year, and us coaches feel like our team is ready to take on the challenge ahead. This pre-season has been the longest pre-season in women's soccer history here at Providence, and we have had a total of 8 pre-season games. The last four of which have been against some really tough competition. I believe the long pre-season and the work and dedication of the group from day one of camp has us coaches feeling like this group is ready for game one of the MCAC season. We have a dedicated group and a team that has some great attitudes and character. It is going to be a fun journey walking along and pushing this team to their limits, and hopefully reach their full potential as a team. Let's go Pilots!"
- Tory Walker
Men's Soccer: Veteran Leadership with Fresh Fire
On the men's side, the Pilots are eager to bounce back after last year's disappointing playoff run. Veterans Isaac Aman, Johannes Barnes, and Gurkandeep Bhangu—all seniors—will anchor the squad with leadership and experience as they aim to reclaim the MCAC title. They will be supported by some strong middle classmen including 2nd year Marco Downie, 3rd year Zach Harman, and 4th year senior Kian Minnaar.
The Pilots have also bolstered their roster with exciting new additions. Striker Ben Meier (La Broquerie, MB) brings pace up top, while midfielder Jacob Boyd (Kelowna, BC) adds speed and creativity on the wing. Perhaps the most exciting storyline comes from defender Christian Dyck (Arborg, MB), who first suited up as a freshman Pilot in 2019. After a few years away, Dyck has returned to finish what he started six years ago—bringing valuable maturity and grit to the backline.
Head Coach Giovanni Benitez, beginning his third year leading the program, sees promise in his roster's balance of veteran poise and fresh energy.
"I'm happy about the team and the way things are progressing. Pre season was a great start and set the tone for the group. They enjoy spending time together and are a great group to be around. Results may not have been what we wanted. But we have progressed well and learned things from each match. This group has a lot to offer on the field as they should be an exciting team to watch. They play to their strengths and we work on those to maximize the potential. It is also a journey, and I excpect to see growth from game to game with this group. Excited to see what this team can all achieve. Looking forward to the season, as I am expecting it to be quite a competitive league this year on the men's side. Home opener will be a lot fun with all the activities, alumni, and start of the season, that will definitely give a great start of the new school year."
- Giovanni Benitez
Centennial Celebration + Soccer Home Opener
With the Centennial Festival setting the stage, September 6 promises to be one of the most memorable game days in Pilots history. Alumni, students, families, and fans will all be part of a community-wide celebration of Providence's past, present, and future.
Kickoff against Les Rouges will cap off a day filled with fun and festivity. The Pilots are calling on fans to pack the sidelines and bring the energy.
So grab your friends, wear your navy and white, and make some noise—because Pilots Soccer is back, and it's going to be a season to remember.
