Matadors maintain unbeaten streak on home turf against Irvine Valley

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Western College men's soccer team extended its unbeaten streak at home Wednesday night, earning a 1-1 draw against Irvine Valley College at Matador Field.

The Matadors entered the match looking to continue their strong run of form after more than a month without a loss and a recent road test against Phoenix College.

Arizona Western struck first when captain Noah Segura found the back of the net off of a Godwin Anim assist to give the Matadors a 1-0 advantage.

The home side continued to pressure the Irvine Valley defense throughout the opening half, creating several scoring opportunities.

Khemani Aiyanyo nearly helped extend the lead with a cross intended for Leo Rodriguez, but the Irvine Valley goalkeeper intercepted the pass before a shot could develop.

In the 34th minute, sophomore forward Laity Roussel came close to doubling Arizona Western's lead, firing a shot off the top crossbar.

Moments later, the French sophomore found himself in another dangerous position but was unable to convert.

The Matadors continued to generate chances late in the first half. In the 38th minute, a long pass traveled nearly the length of the field to Taikan Naito, who looked poised to create another scoring opportunity.

However, Irvine Valley's defense recovered and prevented the attack from materializing.

As the half wound down, Roussel again found space in the attacking third but was unable to beat the goalkeeper, narrowly missing another chance to add to Arizona Western's lead.

Lasers forward Jonathan Minney played a pivotal part in action as he netted a goal in the 68th minute to knot things up at 1-1

Despite controlling stretches of the match and creating multiple scoring opportunities, the Matadors were unable to score again and secure the victory. Instead, it was a 1-1 tie.

AWC now shifts focus to a road match against Eastern Arizona on Saturday.