Though the Northwest College men’s soccer team didn’t have the chance to play an official fall season, it still found a way to gain match experience.

The Trappers played their third scrimmage of the fall on Friday, taking on Central Wyoming College in Riverton. Not only was Friday another opportunity for NWC to play an exhibition, it was a test against a fellow Region IX foe.

“We’re lucky to get a game,” head coach Aaron Miller said. “Most schools aren’t able to practice or play, so it’s remarkable.”

In a year where NWC’s ability to play in match settings, rust is a given. But Miller said he was pleased with how his team improved over the course of the scrimmage.

“After the first 20 minutes we were great,” the coach said. “We had a lot of good plays in transition. They just relaxed and the guys played.”

One of the highlights from the friendly was the Trappers scoring back-to-back goals in a five-minute span right after halftime. This quick response after the intermission provided a glimpse of the Trappers’ offensive capabilities.

“Our attacking group needed adjustments,” Miller said. “They came out of halftime a lot better, and it’s a luxury that they get this experience.”

Though scores aren’t reported in scrimmages, Northwest won the exhibition 3-1. This came three weeks after the Trappers played two scrimmages in Casper in early October.

NWC’s fall scrimmage season is now complete, and the Trappers will regroup as a team when the spring semester begins in January. Before the official season begins in April, Miller hopes the team has the opportunity to play a couple more exhibitions.

But in the meantime, the coach just wants his athletes to stay physically and mentally ready for a spring full of soccer.

“The biggest thing is how they can stay fit,” Miller said. “It’s tricky with COVID, but we’re trying to build a stronger team and build a culture here.”