Henderson, Nev. — The Mighty Lizards Men's side opened their 2021 Spring season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the College of Southern Nevada on Thursday afternoon.

Despite game-time temperatures close to 90 degrees, TMCC put together a phenomenal effort to take the season's first test against their in-state rival. Chances were plentiful for both squads, quickly turning 2021's first match into a competitive back and forth affair undecided until the final minutes. 

The match would get interesting quickly, with CSN catching an early break when a penalty attempt from TMCC forward Adolfo Sanchez glanced off of the post in just the 7th minute. Both squads would trade control and possession for the remainder of the first half, as TMCC would only post one shot on goal to CSN's three before the break.

The second half was filled with tension and excitement, as both squads combined for 22 shots on goal and three scores. The Mighty Lizards would strike first, finding the net in the 66th minute on a score from freshman midfielder Allen Somera, assisted by second-year midfielder Wilmer Hernandez-Parra. The lead would not last long, however, as TMCC would concede a score from Coyotes defender Jose Gonzalez just seven minutes later. As the clock continued to wind down, the Mighty Lizards would take the lead for good on an 87th minute score from Wilmer Hernandez-Parra, who finished the afternoon with 3 shots on goal to go with one assist and one score. 

Also critical to the Lizards victory was the defensive effort of second-year back Erick Ceja-Gonzalez, who was dominant in one-on-one situations all afternoon.

TMCC will continue its season-opening road trip on Saturday, April 10 against #11 Snow College at 1:00 PM (MDT) in Ephraim, UT.