Brawley dominates Yuma in season-opening match, 9-0

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma Criminals girls soccer team opened their season Tuesday night with a tough test at home, falling 9-0 to the visiting Brawley Wildcats in a non-conference matchup at Yuma High School.

Brawley wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for eight first-half goals to take full control before halftime. The Wildcats added one more in the second half to close out the decisive victory.

Brawley's offensive pressure never slowed. The Wildcats tallied 23 total shots, consistently challenging Yuma's back line and goalkeeper. Their defensive unit was just as active, recording 37 steals while limiting the Criminals to no shots on goal.

With the win, Brawley improves to 1-1-1 on the year, splitting their early-season road and home results while posting an even .500 win percentage. Through three matches, the Wildcats are averaging four goals per game and have now totaled 12 on the season.

Yuma, now 0-1, begins the year still searching for its first goal and its first win. Tuesday's loss also places the Criminals at a 0-1 mark at home, though they will have opportunities to regroup as the season continues.

The matchup marked the first head-to-head meeting between the teams this year, but not the last. Yuma and Brawley are scheduled to face each other again in a neutral-site tournament rematch on Saturday, December 13, at 9 a.m.

The Criminals will look to make adjustments and bounce back as they prepare for the rest of their non-conference slate and the start of region play.