Lady Matadors soccer set sights on National Title

AWC returns with depth, speed, and a title on their minds.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Western College Lady Matadors aren't looking to rebuild this year they're looking to finish what they started.

Head Coach Victor Verdugo, a Yuma native, led the program to its first-ever National Junior College Athletic Association Division I national final in 2024. Now, with a deeper roster, he believes his team is equipped to take the next step.

"We're a little bit faster," Verdugo said. "Just a couple more guns we were needing to put us ahead in our conference, our region, our district."

This year's squad blends returning veterans with a wave of talented freshmen, including several local standouts.

Central Union High School graduate Ariana Peraza said the competitive drive within the group is pushing them forward.

"It's definitely fun playing with different people and seeing different things," Peraza said. "I think we're gonna build off each other's competitiveness to push it to the final."

The Lady Matadors are already showing signs of that potential. In a recent preseason friendly, they went toe-to-toe with Division I UC Riverside, falling by just a single goal. Trips to San Diego and a home opener are on the horizon as the season begins to take shape.

One key returner is redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Tindra Biedermann, an All-American in 2023 who missed last season due to injury.

"I think the team is absolutely great...which is why I'll stay a third year," Biedermann said. "This college team is freaking impressive."

Her leadership, along with a veteran sophomore core, will be crucial in guiding a team with championship ambitions.

Arizona Western has also gained attention beyond the junior college level. Multiple players from last season moved on to NCAA programs, and that pipeline could continue this year.

Freshman defender Maria Fernanda said the mix of backgrounds and playing styles makes the group special.

"Lot of cultures, so every girl brings something," Fernanda said. "It makes this group amazing…it's really fun."

With a roster built on culture, competitiveness, and the lingering memory of a title that slipped away, the Lady Matadors enter the season with one clear goal: Speed, the championship, and redemption.

The regular season kicks off August 22 against Imperial Valley College, and the Lady Matadors are ready to run it back.