RENO, NV – The opening stretch of the season has tested the Truckee Meadows Community College Men's and Women's Soccer programs. Now, with those early tests behind them, both Mighty Lizard squads are ready to turn their attention toward Scenic West Athletic Conference and NJCAA Region 18 competition
TMCC officially opens conference play Saturday, Sept. 5, at the TMCC Soccer Field against the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). The women will kick off at 11 a.m., followed by the men at 1:30 p.m.
The road to conference play has featured highs, lows and valuable learning opportunities for both programs as they prepare for the most important stretch of the fall season.
Against the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), the TMCC men found themselves in a tightly contested battle. An early CSN goal ultimately proved to be the difference in a 1-0 loss, but the Mighty Lizards continued to create opportunities and showed promising chemistry throughout the match.
The TMCC women also battled against CSN, continuing to compete throughout the full 90 minutes despite ultimately falling 5-0.
TMCC's next test came against Mohave Community College and produced different results for the two programs. The men faced a difficult and physical Mohave side in a 5-0 loss, while the women responded with a strong performance of their own, earning a 2-0 victory.
Both programs then responded in a big way against Klamath Community College.
The Mighty Lizards controlled their respective matches and came away with a pair of commanding victories. More important than the final scores, the performances allowed both teams to put together complete efforts and build confidence as they closed out their preparations for Region 18 competition.
For the Women's Soccer program, the beginning of conference play also marks the first season with Head Coach Debs Brereton having a full offseason and preseason to further implement her vision for the program. With several early tests already behind them, the Mighty Lizards now have an opportunity to carry that development into conference competition.
On the men's side, TMCC enters Region 18 play with a full roster and increased depth. The group has already experienced close battles, difficult results and strong performances, giving the Mighty Lizards plenty to build on as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Saturday presents a new challenge and a fresh start for both programs.
After using the opening portion of the schedule to compete, learn and grow, the focus now shifts toward establishing TMCC's presence within Region 18. Coming off commanding wins in their final tune-ups, both teams will look to carry that momentum onto their home field and show they are ready to compete throughout the conference season.
TMCC Athletics invites Mighty Lizard fans and the Northern Nevada community to support both programs Saturday at the TMCC Soccer Field. The women begin conference action against CSI at 11 a.m., followed by the men at 1:30 p.m.
Fans, friends and family unable to attend in person can still follow the Mighty Lizards from home. Visit the Men's Soccer or Women's Soccer schedule on the TMCC Athletics website, find Saturday's matchup and select the "Watch" button to access the Hudl livestream.
Truckee Meadows Community College, located in Reno, Nevada, offers more than 70 programs of study that lead to 160 degree and other completion options, including university transfer. TMCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and competes in the Scenic West Athletic Conference
