Cochise Women’s Soccer Falls at No. 2 Arizona Western

YUMA, Ariz. (Oct. 14, 2025) — The Cochise College women's soccer team faced one of the toughest opponents in the nation on Tuesday evening, falling 5-0 to No. 2-ranked Arizona Western College at Matador Soccer Field in Yuma.

The Matadors (10-0-0, 7-0-0 ACCAC) struck twice in the first half and added three more after halftime to remain unbeaten. Kei Yoneda opened the scoring in the 29th minute off a cross from Linka Ono, and Kiana Knudson doubled the lead in the 41st minute. Knudson struck again early in the second half, finishing a pass from Fernanda Quiroz in the 52nd minute to make it 3-0.

Arizona Western extended the margin late with goals from Kanon Ozaki (82') and Reina Kasano (84'). Cochise goalkeeper Marissa Tamayo kept the Apaches in the match early with several key stops, finishing with three saves on eight shots on goal.

Cochise generated opportunities of its own, posting eight total shots, including two on target, and earning a pair of first-half corner kicks. Tiia Kuhmonen nearly put the Apaches ahead early when her 16th-minute shot hit the crossbar, and Ana Velazquez missed just wide on a penalty attempt in the 39th minute that could have evened the score.

The loss moves Cochise to 7-5-3 overall (3-4-1 ACCAC) as the Apaches continue a challenging conference stretch against ranked opponents.

Cochise returns home this weekend to host Yavapai College on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 3:00 p.m. MST at Cochise Soccer Field in Douglas. The matchup will serve as Sophomore Day, with the program honoring its outgoing sophomores during a short pregame ceremony.