Cochise Women’s Soccer Battles but Falls to No. 2 Arizona Western, 2-1

DOUGLAS, Ariz. (Sept. 20, 2025) — The Cochise College women's soccer team put up a strong fight against one of the top teams in the nation Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell 2-1 to No. 2-ranked Arizona Western College at Cochise Soccer Field.

In a tightly contested first half, Arizona Western struck first in the 33rd minute when Kanon Ozaki finished a pass from Kei Yoneda. Cochise responded just six minutes later with a spectacular goal from team captain Stephanie Vazquez-Ceron, who struck from nearly 40 yards out. Her shot ricocheted off the right post and into the net, marking the first goal conceded by Arizona Western all season and sending the match into halftime tied 1-1.

The second half remained evenly matched, but Arizona Western broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when Fernanda Quiroz scored off an assist from Ozaki. Despite a late push from the Apaches and six saves from Arizona Western goalkeeper Tania Hernandez, Cochise was unable to find the equalizer.

Goalkeeper Marissa Tamayo recorded two saves for Cochise, while the match was played at a high pace with both sides combining for 16 fouls. The Cochise sideline was also shown a yellow card in the 67th minute.

The loss drops Cochise to 5-3-1 overall and 1-2 in ACCAC play, snapping the Apaches' two-match win streak.

Cochise will look to bounce back quickly when they travel to Prescott on Tuesday, Sept. 23, for a 4:30 p.m. MST kickoff against Yavapai College at Michael Pantalione Field.