Season Kickoff: Wins, Losses, and Outlook
The 2026 Metro Soccer season opened with a mixed slate for Rio Rancho, as the boys' squads celebrated two victories while the girls' teams encountered a setback. The early results have already sparked conversation about the competitive balance within the league and the prospects for each side as the schedule unfolds.
On the boys' side, the Rams kicked off with a dominant performance, winning their first two matches and outscoring opponents 11‑2 across the pair. Mylz Gee contributed five goals in those games, underscoring his role as a key offensive weapon. The team now turns its attention to a highly anticipated clash with the 2025 4A state champions, St. Pius X, a fixture that promises a stern test of their defensive resolve.
Cleveland Storm, another boys' outfit, also began the campaign unbeaten, improving to 3‑0 after a 4‑1 win over Albuquerque Academy. Star forward Denym Lodge was the catalyst, netting six goals in that contest and fueling optimism about the team’s upward trajectory.
The girls' program, despite a valiant effort, fell 2‑1 to Hope Christian, a nationally ranked side. Aliyah C'de Baca’s penalty kick opened the scoring for the Rams, but the narrow margin highlighted both the competitiveness of the match and the team’s resilience in staying within striking distance.
Looking ahead, Rio Rancho’s calendar is packed with high‑stakes fixtures, including meetings with Cibola, St. Pius X, Sandia High School, and Albuquerque High School on August 24‑25. The upcoming games will be crucial for the Rams as they aim to maintain momentum, protect their goal tally, and refine strategies against formidable opponents.