8/6/25
The 2025 Patrick & Henry Community College Men’s Soccer team enters the new season with one goal: to finish what they started.
Last year, the Patriots finished as Region 10 runners-up. Just one season removed from back-to-back Region 10 championships in 2023 and 2024, head coach Brennan Murphy is entering the fall with a fresh roster, familiar hunger, and high expectations.
“We’ve built a strong culture of competing at the highest level,” said Murphy. “This year’s group is talented, hungry, and ready to chase another championship. We know what the standard is and we’re not shying away from it.”
With a mix of returning leaders and promising newcomers, the Patriots are embracing the challenge ahead, using the sting of last year’s narrow defeat as fuel for another title run and a long-awaited NJCAA National Tournament berth.
The Patriots kick off preseason action this weekend with a gauntlet of road matchups against three NCAA Division I powerhouses:
- @ Radford University – August 8 | 7:00 PM
- @ Longwood University – August 10 | 6:00 PM
- @ Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – August 11 | 7:00 PM
“We know what these games mean for our growth,” said returner Thommy Mendez of New York. If we want to be the best, we’ve got to play the best.”
These high-level tests will give Coach Murphy and his staff a real-time look at the team’s identity, fitness, and tactical edge.
Following preseason, the Patriots dive headfirst into one of the most ambitious schedules in program history, including: NJCAA national contenders Neosho CC and Rock Valley CC (Aug 22–23 in Indiana); Western Iowa Tech, Central NE, and Northeast NE (September road swing); and Region 10 battles against Cape Fear, Louisburg, Richard Bland, and Wake Tech.
“This is why I came here, to compete at a high level and prove I belong,” said freshman Honore Tumusifu of Nigeria. With long road trips and a full slate of ranked opposition, the Patriots know every minute counts.
“It’s going to be a war every game, but that’s what prepares you for late October and November. That’s what makes championship teams,” said Murphy.
With another Region 10 crown within reach and the dream of national tournament contention on the line, the Patriots are locked in and ready for the grind.
“We want to be playing our best soccer when it matters most. That’s the mission,” said Murphy.
Follow the Patriots all season long on www.phccsports.com and on social media @PHCCAthletics for scores, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. View the full soccer schedule at https://www.phccsports.com/sports/msoc/2025-26/schedule. In the photo: The 25-26 P&HCC men’s soccer team enjoys the view from Sharp Top Mountain.