Preview: Cochise Women’s Soccer Travels to Face No. 15 Eastern Arizona in ACCAC Opener

After a grueling early-season stretch that included four games in five days in Colorado and a test against nationally ranked Snow College, the Cochise College women's soccer team (3-1-1) opens ACCAC play on the road Saturday against No. 15 Eastern Arizona College.

The Apaches have started strong, outscoring opponents 21-5 through their first five matches. Freshman forward Samantha Herrero has led the attack with five goals, supported by a balanced lineup featuring multiple goal scorers, including Tiia Kuhmonen, Ana Velazquez, and Jennifer Hernandez.

Eastern Arizona (2-1) enters ranked No. 15 in the latest NJCAA poll, riding momentum from early wins over North Idaho College (2-0) and Utah State Eastern (4-0) before a setback against Salt Lake Community College (3-0). The Gila Monsters are paced by freshman forward Brynn Kelly of Surprise, Ariz., who has scored twice this season, while freshman goalkeeper Larissa Sanchez of Las Cruces, N.M., has posted two shutouts and five saves.

The matchup also carries extra weight given the recent series history. Eastern Arizona holds a 2-1-1 edge in the last four meetings, including a 3-1 victory over Cochise in last year's NJCAA Region I Semifinal in Douglas.

Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, at 4:30 p.m. MST at Eastern Arizona in Thatcher.

 Livestream can be found via Eastern Arizona Athletics YouTube or using this link: https://www.youtube.com/@eacmonsters/streams