Matadors women’s soccer captures Region I title

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The No. 1-ranked NJCAA Division II Arizona Western women's soccer team is bringing home the Region I championship after defeating No. 8 Eastern Arizona College 2-1 Saturday night at Matador Field.

The Matadors struck early, with Abril Aguirre finding the back of the net just 49 seconds into the match off an assist from Kanon Ozaki. AWC took their 1-0 lead into halftime.

Arizona Western added some insurance late in the second half when leading scorer Giovana Coutinho scored an unassisted goal in the 84th minute to extend the advantage to 2-0. Eastern Arizona answered less than two minutes later, but the Matadors held on for the 2-1 victory.

Goalkeeper Victoria Yuna recorded four saves to help secure the championship. Ariana Peraza was also named Region I Most Valuable Player.

The win improves Arizona Western to 14-0-2 on the season and sends the Matadors to the West District Final, where they will host Salt Lake Community College next Saturday, November 7, at Matador Field.

The start time is still to be determined.