Matadors women’s soccer earns No. 1 spot on NJCAA Polls for first time

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Western College women’s soccer team has reached a milestone never before achieved in program history, earning the No. 1 ranking in the latest NJCAA Division I national poll.

The Matadors have long been one of the premier programs in junior college soccer, but despite years of success, they had never climbed to the top spot in the national rankings. After spending each of the past two seasons ranked No. 2, Arizona Western finally moved into the No. 1 position this season.

“It feels great,” sophomore midfielder Ariana Peraza said. “I think the ranking is well-deserved.”

The achievement comes during another dominant stretch for the program under head coach Victor Verdugo. Since taking over in October 2023, Verdugo has guided the Matadors to a 48-4-4 record while leading the team to back-to-back NJCAA Division I National Championship runner-up finishes the past two seasons.

Now, the program has added another accomplishment to its resume.

A key factor behind Arizona Western’s success has been its versatility. Multiple players have stepped into different positions throughout the season, giving the Matadors flexibility and depth across the field.

“That ability to pop in one or two players I might need because of different circumstances, or adapting in the game, I think that mindset that the group has of ‘if today you need me to play here, Coach, I’ll be able to perform,’” Verdugo said.

The Matadors also benefited from a stretch of six of their first seven matches being at home. Sophomore defender and midfielder Kiana Knudson said the familiarity and support of home crowds helped the team build confidence early in the season.

“Playing on your home field, with your home fans, is always going to help your confidence at the beginning of the season,” Knudson said. “I think just gaining consistency and trying to learn how each other play, and kind of get more comfortable with that has kind of contributed to our team’s success.”

The road ahead presents a new challenge. Four of Arizona Western’s final seven regular-season matches will be played away from home, and the team understands maintaining its position atop the rankings will require continued focus throughout conference play.

“I think we can’t get complacent just because we are number one,” Peraza said. “I think it’s something that we have to take, but also keep working at still maintaining to be the best team in the country.”

While the No. 1 ranking is a significant accomplishment, the Matadors remain focused on a larger goal. After consecutive national runner-up finishes, Arizona Western is determined to finish the season with a championship trophy rather than just the nation’s top ranking.

“For me, it’s just staying focused, and, like I’ve told the girls, it’ll mean something at the end of November,” Verdugo said.