Arizona Western Men’s Soccer extends unbeaten streak to 12 games with win over Yavapai

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona Western College men's soccer continued its impressive run Tuesday night, defeating Yavapai College 5-1 at Matador Field to extend its unbeaten streak to 12 games.

The seventh-ranked Matadors have not lost since dropping their season opener and entered the matchup looking for some redemption against the 18th-ranked Roughriders, who eliminated Arizona Western from the playoffs last season.

Yavapai threatened early, with Juan Avella getting behind the AWC defense and firing a shot toward goal. Matadors goalkeeper Sebastian Belitrandi made a diving save to keep the game scoreless.

Arizona Western broke through later in the first half.

A corner kick found Thomas Ademola, whose initial attempt was stopped by the Yavapai goalkeeper. Taikan Naito was in position for the rebound and headed the ball into the net to give the Matadors a 1-0 lead.

Belitrandi continued to keep Yavapai off the scoreboard, making another save on a shot from Roughriders' Nery Martinez. He finished the match with nine saves.

In the 29th minute, Tyrese Agbontaen created another opportunity for Arizona Western, cutting to his right before firing a shot that Yavapai goalkeeper Christian Rimbu stopped. The rebound fell to Laity Roussel, who buried the follow-up to double the Matadors' lead.

Roussel struck again just two minutes later, helping Arizona Western take control of the match.

The Matadors eventually finished with five goals to Yavapai's one, earning their 12th consecutive match without a loss.