AWC soccer programs make preseason NJCAA Top 20 rankings

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Western College soccer programs enter the 2026 season with high expectations, as both the women's and men's teams have earned spots in the preseason NJCAA Top 20 rankings.

The Matadors women's team is ranked No. 2 nationally after another dominant campaign in 2025. Arizona Western finished 17-2 last season and advanced to the NJCAA National Championship match for the second consecutive year, ultimately earning a runner-up finish.

Head coach Victor Verdugo's squad returns significant offensive firepower, led by forwards Kanon Ozaki and Reina Kasano, who were the team's top two scorers a season ago. Also returning for the Matadors are Ariana Peraza, Jaylei Miller and Kiana Knudson, providing experience to a roster that once again features talent from around the world.

Arizona Western supplemented its returning core with another strong international recruiting class. Among the newcomers are center back Maika Sato from Tokyo, Japan; midfielder Riko Ori, who recently helped her high school team capture a national championship in Japan; and forward Abril Aguirre, who has represented Mexico on its U-20 National Team.

On the men's side, Arizona Western opens the season ranked No. 13 in the preseason poll following an 11-3-1 campaign in 2025. The Matadors advanced to the ACCAC Region I semifinals before falling to Yavapai College, one of the nation's perennial powers.

While expectations remain high, the men's team will look considerably different this season. Thirteen players from last year's roster moved on to four-year institutions. The program's top three scorers are no longer on the squad either.

Among the newcomers looking to make an impact are two local products. Kofa High School graduate Leo Rodriguez and Cibola High School alumnus Adrian Luna begin their first seasons with the Matadors as they attempt to help Arizona Western remain among the top junior college programs in the country.

With both teams nationally ranked and loaded with talent, Arizona Western enters the 2026 campaign aiming to continue its tradition of success and make another push toward postseason championships.