Arizona Western women’s soccer returns to Region 1 championship

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) — Arizona Western College women’s soccer is headed back to the Region I championship after a 1-0 victory over Cochise College in the semifinals at Matador Field.

The top-ranked Matadors faced a familiar opponent in the Apaches, who defeated Arizona Western in last year’s Region I championship.

Arizona Western found the breakthrough in the 13th minute when freshman Momoka Kimura connected with Riko Horie on a give-and-go before Kimura fired a shot into the top of the net to give the Matadors a 1-0 lead.

Earlier in the first half, Kimura sent a through ball to Abril Aguirre, who got a shot off but was denied by Cochise goalkeeper Marissa Tamayo.

The Matadors continued to push offensively, but Cochise’s Estefhani Guerezi came up with a tackle to stop an attack from Ari Pirazza.

The Apaches looked to find an equalizer, with former Gila Ridge standout Chayton Barron setting up Brianda Hernandez. However, Aguirre broke up the play to halt Cochise’s momentum.

Arizona Western’s defense held firm the rest of the way, preserving the 1-0 victory and securing a spot in the Region 1 championship.

The Matadors will face eighth-ranked Eastern Arizona on Saturday at Matador Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.