The Columbia Falls boys soccer program can go nowhere but up after a disappointing end to their season last year.

“We’ve got good leadership from our core of seniors,” coach Peter Browne said.

Those seniors include Austin Kimmet, Keenan Jessat, Bailey Griffith, Kyle Kelly and Breydon Levinsky.

Last year, the Wildcats went 2-5-1 in conference play and 4-7-1 overall. They still had a shot at a playoff berth but were blanked by Libby 2-0 in the final game.

Columbia Falls also lost some key players. Quentin Foust was expected to be a key part of this year’s team, but he moved. The result a young team again without a whole lot of varsity experience.

“We’ve got a good group of kids,” Browne said. “But we lack experience.”

The team will likely keep four freshmen and have about 16 total on the roster. That makes for a light bench. Browne said the team will need to stay healthy.

One big plus is the team’s goalkeeper, Brandon Karberg.

“He’s very talented,” Browne said.

The team starts play Sept. 5 and 6 on the road against Belgrade and Park respectively.