Soccer teams fare OK in Thursday's scrimmages in Denver

The Western Nebraska Community College men's and women's soccer teams played in the shadows of the Colorado Rapids' Dick Sporting Goods stadium Thursday evening and fared OK against Denver Elite soccer teams.

The women played one 30-minute period against three different Elite teams from around Denver and tied 1-1. WNCC's lone goal came in the first match-up as Bre Perkes, who set a school record last season with 26 goals, took a pass from freshman Tamika Smith of Greeley, Colo. for the score.

The women's team then tied the second team they played 0-0, before falling 1-0 in the third contest in the higher altitude.

The men's team also tied in their scrimmage 2-2 against the Colorado Elite Team, who just won a state title the weekend before. Most of the players on the Chiva's team range in age from 25 t0 35 with a vast knowledge of the game.

WNCC's two goals came in the second period as sophomores Eloy Matos and Stephen Estrada, both from Puerto Rico and on their countries national team who will play Cuba early next month for a spot in the Beijing Olympics, each finished with a goal.

Both teams will open the season next weekend, Aug. 25 in Great Bend, Kan. The women will open against Barton County Community College, while the men will open against pre-season ranked No. 3 San Jacinto College-South.