After COVID-19 moved Northwest College’s soccer season to the spring a year ago, only three months stand between the Trappers’ last campaign and their upcoming one. But NWC coach Rob Hill doesn’t see that as an issue; he actually prefers it.

“We’ve been really fresh,” Hill said. “They’re in really good shape and both teams have been sharp so far.”

The Trappers men’s and women’s teams both kick off the season Friday, playing non-conference matches against Truckee Meadows Community College. The teams will play again Saturday morning, once again facing off against TMCC.

In the spring campaign, NWC went 4-5 on the men’s side, while the women’s team finished 1-11. Hill said he thinks both squads will be more cohesive this fall.

On the men’s side, Hill cited a more team-oriented mentality from his players. While the Trappers had a roster full of talented players in the spring, the coach is seeking student-athletes who have a blue-collar attitude in addition to great skill.

“We have a good corps of players who are working hard,” Hill said. “There’s a different feeling than the spring for sure. With the spring team, there were a lot of talented individuals, but that’s the keyword: individuals. You’ll see good chemistry.”

NWC also has a handful of players over 6-feet tall on the roster, which could help the Trappers, both offensively and defensively.

“We’ve added that bit of height to protect the goalkeepers in the box,” the coach said. “That’s going to be a big bonus for us — on the attacking side as well.”

For the women, Hill noted the depth of this year’s team. The spring squad hardly had enough players and enlisted basketball players, livestock judges and others to fill the roster. 

Having a team full of soccer-specific players should make the Trappers more competitive this season.

“Every player is challenging to crack the starting lineup,” Hill said. “It’s so much better overall talent, and they’re gelling really well. I’m really pleased, and it’s night and day from where we were in the spring.”

Hill admitted that both NWC teams will likely make their fair share of miscues in this weekend’s opening matches. But he hopes this early-season action can show the Trappers’ strengths and weaknesses.

“I want to iron out some kinks; there will be a lot of mistakes,” Hill said. “I hope from that experience this weekend, we’ll see where we’re at. These will help us get on the same page and understand our style of play.”