Lady Argo Soccer

Former University of Mary coach to guide the Lady Argos soccer team

GREAT FALLS, MT (Monday, May 5, 2008) — The University of Great Falls Athletic Director Jim Hall announced the hiring of Brian Clarke as the new women’s soccer coach at a press conference today. Clarke replaces Jamie Rizzuto who resigned in December. He becomes the second head coach of the Lady Argos as they head into the program’s fourth season of competition next fall. He will inherit 14 returners from a squad that produced a 3-13 overall record and a garnered the program’s first Frontier Conference victory last season.

 

Brian comes to the University of Great Falls from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. As a Marauder player, Brian was named team captain his senior year and was also named an NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete. After completing his playing career for the University of Mary, Brian stepped into the assistant coach’s role for the 2006 season. After just one season as the assistant, Clarke was promoted to the Head Coach position in January of 2007. The Marauders tallied a 4-13-1 record in a major rebuilding effort during Clarke’s first season.

 

“We are thrilled that Brian has agreed to be our next women’s soccer coach. He is an exceptionally mature and talented young coach who has a very bright future in front of him,” stated Hall. “We were especially impressed with his record as a recruiter as he has signed 17 players over the last two seasons despite some extenuating circumstances. Additionally, he has extensive ties to our recruiting bases in Montana and Wyoming and I have no doubt that he’ll be able to hit the ground running and continue to strengthen the talent level of our women’s soccer program.”

 

Clarke had this to say about the opportunity to take over the Lady Argos. “It was an easy decision. I saw a ton of potential for success. It is a great university, there is a tremendous athletic staff, and I was impressed with the recent and planned renovations to the athletic facilities and campus. I’d like to thank Athletic Director Jim Hall and President Eugene McAllister for giving me the opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program to the next level.”

 

Clarke has already begun recruiting and searching for an assistant coach. “There is a lot of work to be done, but it’s worth doing to ensure the continued rise of Argo women’s soccer,” stated Clarke.

What others are saying about Brian Clarke

 

“I have a lot of confidence in Brian Clarke, I wish we could have kept him here. The University of Great Falls has hired a good one. I am sure he’s going to do a great job.” -- Al Bortke – Director of Athletics, University of Mary

 

“I have a lot of respect for what Brian was able to accomplish in a short time at the University of Mary. From everything that I know about him personally and professionally he’s going to be a great fit here at the University of Great Falls.” -- Tim Brooks – Men’s Soccer Coach, University of Great Falls

 

“I am really excited about the fresh perspective and new ideas Coach Clarke will bring to our soccer program. His goals and objectives for the program closely matched those of our team and we really think he can lead us to the next level.” -- Kelsey Chytka – Current Soccer Player

 

By: Kevin Scott

UGF women's soccer coach resigns

GREAT FALLS, MT (Saturday, January 12, 2008) – The Lady Argos women's soccer coach Jamie Rizzuto has resigned as head coach of the Lady Argos effective January 11th.

"An opportunity has come up that is the best situation for my family. My time here at the University of Great Falls has been a wonderful experience that I have truly enjoyed. I will miss the exceptional people that I have been surrounded by for the past three years," said Rizzuto.

She is leaving due to family commitments and has accepted a position with the Montana State Athletics staff as an athletic academic coordinator in Bozeman, Montana where she will work with athletes in track and field, cross-country, skiing, tennis and the spirit squad in academic pursuits and will also work with student-athletes in NCAA initial eligbility issues.

The UGF women's soccer team has seen increased competitiveness and improvement the past three years in the Frontier Conference. UGF won its first Frontier Conference match against Rocky Mountain College earlier this year.

"I am excited to have helped build the foundation for such a great program and I am proud to leave the next coach with such a remarkable group of young ladies," said Rizzuto.

Rizzuto is a 2004 graduate of the University of Montana in Missoula where she played for the Lady Griz soccer team and led them in assists and goals in 2003. As a senior, she was named the TEam MVP.

A national search for Rizzuto's replacement will begin immediately.

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Soccer: Argo Update from North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, ID

NAIA Women’s Soccer: Sunday, October 14, 2007

UGF vs. North Idaho College

Location: North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, ID

NAIA Women’s Soccer (Exhibition)	Final
University of Great Falls	0
North Idaho College	2

  

North Idaho College blanks UGF

COEUR D’ALENE, ID – (Sunday, October 14, 2007) – The Lady Argos fell again at the two day tourney this time against host North Idaho College on Sunday morning 2-0. The Lady Argos played Western Nevada CC College on Saturday falling 2-1.

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Soccer: Argo Update from North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, ID

NAIA Women’s Soccer: Saturday, October 13, 2007

UGF vs. Western Nevada Community College

Location: North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, ID

NAIA Women’s Soccer (Exhibition)	Final
University of Great Falls	1
Western Nevada Comm. College	2

  

Western Nevada nips UGF

COEUR D’ALENE, ID – (Sunday, October 13, 2007) – The Lady Argos traveled to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Saturday for a two day tournament with Western Nevada Community College and host North Idaho College.

On Saturday, the faced Western Nevada Community College and fell to them 2-1. UGF’s only goal of the day was scored by Missoula native Katie Stevens off a pass from Corrie Smith.

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Soccer: Argo Update from Siebel Soccer Park, Great Falls, MT

NAIA Women’s Soccer: Sunday, October 7, 2007

UGF vs. University of Lethbridge

Location: Siebel Soccer Park, Great Falls, MT

NAIA Women’s Soccer (Frontier Conference)	1st Half	2nd  Half	Final
University of Great Falls	0	0	0
University of Lethbridge	2	1	3

  

Lady Pronghorns blank Lady Argos

GREAT FALLS, MT – (Sunday, October 7, 2007) – After losing to Carroll College on Saturday, the University of Lethbridge Lady Pronghorns were looking for a win in Montana as they came to Great Falls’ Siebel Soccer Park to take on the Lady Argos.

The Lady Argos battled hard all day long but couldn’t get into scoring position as they fall to the Canadian team 3-0. Lethbridge junior Sam McMillan and freshman Jessica Bailey each scored in the first half to take a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Norah-Faye Matthies put on the finishing touches for Lethbridge as she scored the only goal in the second half.

SCORING SUMMARY

1st Half: LETHBRIDGE:   Sam McMillan (Junior, Calgary, AB) scored first goal 

                                    Jessica Bailey (Freshman, Calgary, AB) scored second goal

2nd Half: LETHBRIDGE:   Nora-Faye Matthies (Sophomore, Coaldale, AB) scored third goal

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Soccer: Argo Update from Siebel Soccer Park, Great Falls, MT

NAIA Women’s Soccer: Saturday, October 6, 2007

Frontier Conference Matchup: UGF vs. Rocky Mountain College

Location: Siebel Soccer Park, Great Falls, MT

NAIA Women’s Soccer (Frontier Conference)	Final
University of Great Falls	1
Rocky Mountain College	0

  

UGF’s Selmer scores only goal in win

GREAT FALLS, MT – (Saturday, October 6, 2007) – The Lady Argos soccer team returned to the Siebel Soccer Park on Saturday for a Frontier Conference matchup against the Rocky Mountain College Lady Bears. Great Falls was hoping to pick up their first conference win of the season.

The Lady Argos scored early in the first half as sophomore Jessica Selmer put the Lady Argos on the scoreboard with the first and only score of the game. Rocky was unable to get in the scoring column.

Great Falls rebounded from last Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the NAIA’s Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Arizona). The Lady Argos will have a rematch with Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT on October 19th at 3PM. After Sunday’s home matchup with the University of Lethbridge, UGF will have two more home games against Frontier Conference foes Carroll College and Westminster on October 26th and 27th.

SCORING SUMMARY

FIRST HALF: UGF’s Jessica Selmer (Sophomore, Laramie, WY) scored the only goal in the game.

SECOND HALF: NONE

By: Kevin Scott

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