PHOENIX — The Cochise College women’s soccer team closed out the 2012 season with a 1-0 loss to Phoenix College in the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association Region I playoffs.
The Apaches controlled much of the game, but Kenia Jaimes of Phoenix scored on a penalty kick in the 57th minute to give the Bears the edge and, ultimately, the win.
“I couldn’t be more proud in the way the girls performed,” said Cochise head coach Andrea Daniels. “They did everything we asked and came at Phoenix in every way possible, but the result was just unlucky. Soccer is the one sport where you can dominate and there’s a possibility the stronger team that game won’t end up with the W.”
Cochise had played Phoenix closely in conference games this season, tying in September and winning 1-0 two weeks ago. Phoenix finished fourth in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference standings, and Cochise was right behind in fifth.
“Phoenix battled and gave us a great fight, cleared a lot of opportunities,” Daniels said. “We hit the cross bar and side post a few times, but couldn’t find the back of the net.”
The Apaches closed the season with a 9-9-3 overall record, their best in the last four years, and only lose three sophomores to graduation.
“Our freshmen gave our sophomores a great last game here as Apaches,” Daniels said. “We had so many family, friends and alumni watching the game on the Internet and we are truly grateful for their support. I’m very proud to be part of our Cochise family.”