Matadors cruise to another win with dominant second half

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Western College men’s soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to 15 games with a dominant 9-0 victory over Nelson University, entering the matchup with a 2-9 record.

The Matadors spent much of the first half on the attack, creating several scoring opportunities but struggling to find the back of the net. Hassan Hameed nearly opened the scoring, but Nelson’s goalkeeper came up with a save to keep the match scoreless.

In the 32nd minute, Khemani Aiyanyo broke away from a defender and worked his way into open space before sending a shot off the post, marking another close call for Arizona Western.

The Matadors eventually broke through when Axel Frithiof made a sliding attempt to knock the ball away from Nelson. Tyrese Agbontaen capitalized on the ensuing opportunity, firing a shot into the net to give Arizona Western the lead.

Aiyanyo nearly added another goal shortly afterward, finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper before his shot struck the post. Agbontaen attempted to convert the rebound with a header, but his effort also hit the post. A second follow-up attempt proved unsuccessful before Seojin Park accidentally touched the ball with his hand, allowing Nelson to clear the danger.

After a first half filled with near misses, Arizona Western's offense exploded after the break.

Ian Quinquina extended the lead early in the second half with an assist from Noah Naus. Yusei Nishida followed with a goal at 46:02, assisted by Yuya Takeyama, before Didi Dabo scored an unassisted goal at 49:32.

Takeyama added another goal at 56:29, assisted by Takuto Yamaguchi, before Dabo found the net again at 61:54 off an assist from Takeyama.

Kira Obata scored at 70:27, assisted by Naus, and Naus added an unassisted goal at 81:51 to continue the Matadors' offensive surge.

Agbontaen's opening goal and the second-half scoring barrage helped Arizona Western secure the 8-0 victory, improving its record to 13-1-2 on the season and extending its unbeaten streak to 15 games.