Arizona Western women’s soccer continues undefeated season

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona Western women's soccer continued its strong start to the season with a 4-1 victory over Yavapai College on Matador Field, improving to 7-0-2 on the year.

The Matadors came out aggressive from the opening whistle and nearly struck first when Jaylee Miller delivered a cross into the box for Giovana Coutinho, but the forward was unable to redirect the ball on target as her header soared over the net.

Arizona Western broke through in the 15th minute. Riko Horie fired a shot toward goal that slipped through the hands of the Yavapai goalkeeper and rolled across the goal line, giving the Matadors a 1-0 advantage.

The Roughriders answered quickly. Just two minutes later, Eliza Palmer played a through ball to an uncovered Dottie Bethers, who finished the opportunity to even the match at 1-1 in the 17th minute.

Despite the setback, Arizona Western continued to create scoring chances. Freshman Momoha Kimura nearly restored the lead with a strong individual effort, but her shot struck the corner of the crossbar and stayed out.

The Matadors took control after halftime.

Giovana Coutinho put Arizona Western back in front in the 49th minute, finishing a scoring chance created by Ariana Peraza to make it 2-1. The lead grew seven minutes later when Soyo Ochi found the back of the net in the 56th minute.

Arizona Western continued to pressure the Roughriders throughout the second half and added an insurance goal in the 80th minute when Jimena Valdovinos scored to extend the advantage to 4-1.

The Matadors' three second-half goals proved more than enough as Arizona Western pulled away for the comfortable victory, remaining unbeaten through nine matches and improving to 7-0-2 on the season.