AWC ties 1st-place Cochise
Yanez makes big save in 53rd minute, Lady Mats stay in contention for top-4 seed
On sophomore night at Arizona Western College, two of the best women’s soccer teams in the conference squared off with huge implications on the line in the ACCAC standings.
AWC entered Thursday’s match in fifth place, while Cochise held the top spot in the conference.
Both defenses were the highlights on a windy night in Yuma as the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
But there wasn’t a more impressive effort than AWC’S goalkeeper Melanie Yanez in the 53rd minute.
Yanez allowed a slow roller to go between her legs, before turning and diving, sticking her hand out to prevent the ball to cross the line for an Apache goal.
The Cochise players were outraged, while the AWC fans erupted in cheers as Yanez was able to keep the game scoreless. The Matadors certainly were fortunate for the call because the replay showed the ball indeed crossed the line, but in junior college there are no challenges.
The game-changing call certainly altered the outcome on the night.
The Matadors, who are stronger when getting off to a good start, never could find much rhythm.
“I thought we played good,” coach Nicole Acosta said. “I thought we should have put away more of our opportunities a little better, but overall we fought hard.”
AWC’s (9-3-3 overall, 5-12 ACCAC) offensive attack executes better when playing quickly and freely, but the Apaches (7-4-2 overall, 6-0-2 ACCAC) were able to take away the AWC passing lanes and provide a challenge to the usually fastpaced attack.
Their opportunities were minimal, but the Matadors did generate several good scoring opportunities despite zero shots on goal.
“We couldn’t connect up top,” Acosta said. “I thought we executed well in the first half but couldn’t connect in the second half.”
Cochise, on the other hand, seemed in control throughout the night with its stellar defense and excellent footwork on the offensive end. The Apaches played physical and disci- plined, but never could find