Providence, MB — September 9, 2026 — A new season is here, and both Providence University College Pilots soccer teams are ready to get back on the pitch.
The Pilots will officially open their 2026 Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) seasons this Saturday, September 12, at home against the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers. The men's team will kick things off at 1:00 p.m., followed by the women's game at 3:15 p.m.
After a successful 2025 season for both programs, expectations are high heading into the new campaign.
Women's Team Looking to Take the Final Step
The Providence women's team enters the season with plenty of motivation after finishing as MCAC runners-up last year. The Pilots battled their way to the conference championship final before ultimately settling for second place.
This season, the goal is to take that final step.
With the experience of last year's playoff run behind them, and a large returning group of 16 players, the Pilots return to the pitch determined to establish themselves as the top team in the MCAC conference.
The disappointment of falling just short last season has provided plenty of fuel during the offseason, and the team is eager to turn that experience into motivation from the opening whistle.
"We're excited to finally get going," said Tory Walker. "Last year showed us that we needed to stick with it, and give ourselves a chance and improve to compete at the highest level in this conference. Finishing second is something we can be proud of, but it also left us hungry. This is a special group, a team committed to a growth mindset, so as their coach, I am very ready to get the season underway."
Saturday's matchup with CMU will be the first opportunity for the Pilots to begin that pursuit.
Men's Team Building on Experience
The Providence men's team also enters the season with something to build on after reaching the MCAC semifinals last year and finishing fourth.
This year's squad brings with it another year of development and experience, giving the program a more mature group of players ready to take on the challenges of a full conference season.
That maturity could be one of the team's biggest strengths as the Pilots look to continue the growth of the program and turn last season's playoff experience into an even stronger campaign in 2026.
"We're excited about where this group is at," said Giovanni Benitez. "We have a lot of players who have now experienced what playoff soccer looks like and understand what it takes to compete in this league. There's another year of maturity within the group, and we're looking forward to seeing how that translates on the field."
The men will have the honour of opening the home schedule Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., with the women following at 3:15 p.m.
A New Season Starts at Home
For both Pilots teams, Saturday represents more than simply the first games on the schedule. It is the beginning of a new opportunity — a chance to build on last season, challenge for championships, and represent Providence University College in front of their home supporters.
After months of training and preparation, the Pilots are ready to get back to competing.
The Providence community and Pilot nation are invited to come out to the campus Saturday to fuel the flight for both teams as they begin their MCAC campaigns against the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers.
Providence University College Pilots vs. Canadian Mennonite University Blazers
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Providence University College — Home Field
Men's Soccer — 1:00 p.m.
Women's Soccer — 3:15 p.m.
The road to the MCAC championship begins at home.
The Pilots are ready to take flight.
