Cochise Set for Region I Semifinal Showdown at Eastern Arizona
DOUGLAS, Ariz. (Oct. 26, 2025) — The Cochise College women's soccer team has officially punched its ticket to the 2025 NJCAA Region I Tournament, earning the No. 3 seed after a strong 9-5-3 (5-4-1 ACCAC) regular season.
The Apaches will travel to Thatcher, Arizona, to face the No. 2-seed Eastern Arizona College Gila Monsters in a Region I semifinal matchup on Wednesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. MST at John Mickelson Field. The winner advances to the Region I Championship on November 1st against the winner of the #1 Arizona Western/#4 Mohave Community College semifinal match.
Familiar Foes Meet Again
The two teams met twice this season, producing one of the tightest rivalries in the conference. The first matchup, on Sept. 6 in Thatcher, saw then-No. 15 EAC edge Cochise 2–0 behind second-half goals from Sophia Oliveira and Brynn Kelly. When the teams met again on Sept. 30 in Douglas, neither side found the net, battling to a 0–0 draw in a fast, physical contest that showcased both defenses and standout goalkeeping from Marissa Tamayo (Cochise, 5 saves) and Larissa Sanchez (EAC, 6 saves).
EAC finished the regular season at (11-3-1 overall, 7-2-1 ACCAC) and enters the postseason ranked No. 14 in the NJCAA polls, powered by forward Brynn Kelly (4 goals) and goalkeeper Larissa Sanchez (7 shutouts). The Gila Monsters took last year's Region I Semifinal over Cochise in Douglas, 2–0 — setting the stage for a potential revenge performance from the Apaches.
Cochise Momentum and Keys to Watch
Cochise enters the postseason in form, closing the regular season with a 2–0 win at Southern Nevada, highlighted by goals from Diana Taddei and Chayton Barron. Taddei, who has recorded multiple hat tricks this year, remains among the top-20 goal scorers in the NJCAA.
The Apaches boast a balanced attack and rotational goalkeeping trio of Tamayo, Julia Vigorito, and Monserrat Alzate, anchored by defensive leaders Stephanie Vazquez-Ceron and Angelita Carlos. Head Coach Santos Rangel credits the team's resilience and chemistry as major factors in Cochise's postseason push.
"This team has grown through every match. We've shown we can compete with anyone, and now it's about staying composed and taking our chances," Rangel said.
Game Details
Location: John Mickelson Field (Eastern Arizona College – Thatcher, AZ)
Kickoff: Wednesday, October 29 | 6:00 p.m. MST
Watch Live: EAC Athletics YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@eacmonsters/streams
Matchup: No. 3 Cochise (9-5-3, 5-4-1) vs. No. 2 EAC (11-3-1, 7-2-1)
Fans are encouraged to make the trip to Thatcher or tune in live to support the Apaches as they begin their Region I playoff journey.