Arizona Western cruises to win in first national tournament game

ENID, Okla. (KYMA) - The Arizona Western College (AWC) Matadors opened pool play at the 2025 NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer National Tournament with a dominant victory over Trinity Valley Community College.

Entering the tournament with an at-large bid, AWC quickly proved they remain a serious threat in the national field.

The Matadors struck first late in the opening half when Momo Chogyogi scored in the 42nd minute on an assist from Kanon Ozaki.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly in AWC's favor, and the team carried that energy into the second half. Ga-Eon Ryu, Asa Yamazaki, Kanon Ozaki, Kei Yoneda, and Reina Kasano each added goals after the break, securing a dominant win and showcasing the team's depth across the pitch.

Head Coach Victor Verdugo credited the second-half surge to adjustments in pace and ball movement.

"For us, the biggest thing was just to increase the tempo. I thought our speed of play needed to be quicker to be able to open up and play into the gaps they had, and I think the girls did a great job of just finding, being able to connect, get into a rhythm, and again build off that first goal," Verdugo said.

After out-shooting Trinity Valley 24 to 3, they shift focus to Salt Lake Community College for Game Two of pool play on Tuesday.