AWC season ends in Region I Semifinals in heartbreaking loss in penalties to Yavapai College

The Matadors lost 2-2 (5-4) in a penalty shootout to the Roughriders

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Western Matadors saw their 2-0 lead, and season, slip away against the Yavapai College Roughriders in a 2-2 (5-4) penalty kick battle in the Region I Semifinals on Tuesday Night at Matador Field.

AWC started off hot, as Roussel Laity scored a goal in the first five minutes of the game. Abdou Moursali would add to their lead in the 24th minute, but Yavapai's Andres Pulido would respond with a goal near the end of the half.

In the second half, Cesar da Silva of the Roughriders ripped a shot in the top left corner from outside of the box for an exceptional goal, knotting the game at two.

After two halves of extra time, the score was still tied, leading to penalties where Yavapai would take the victory.

Matador's Head Coach Kenny Dale said the team has struggled to close out games as of late.

"Really disappointed for our guys, you know, again, two goal lead, unable to close it out, and that's been one of the challenges over the last couple of weeks for us," Dale said. "It's unfortunate, but, I think the opponent fought hard, and we didn't get the job done."

The Matadors had eight players selected for Region I honors, including Ziad Barakat, Abdou Moursali, Lucas di Almeida, Enzo Manga, Steven Le Blanc and Cristopher Gonzalez on the first team, and Sebastian Belitrandi and Milton Kapaya on the second team.

Now that the season is over, Dale and the athletes will turn their attention to the next level of college athletics.

"Our number one priority is transferring players on to the next level," Dale said. "Once we get that done, we'll be really happy about that."

Despite the loss, Arizona Western College still had a great 11-3-1 season with many athletes getting recognized.