The Cochise College soccer team hosted Paradise Valley for their final home game of the regular season. The graduating sophomores were recognized for their contributions to the program.
Cochise knew they would have to win to have a shot at playoffs and rely on other teams to make it happen. The first half offered a back-and-forth battle. The majority of the game was in the middle of the field, with occasional chances on either side. The first half ended without goals.
As we moved to the second half, the Apaches realized the importance of the win. The match’s first goal was scored in the 52nd minute. Maria Azarias (Santa Catarina, Brazil) dribbled through the defense to find Sofia Gallegos (Chihuahua, Mexico), who opened the scoring for the Apaches. The lead did not last for too long as Pumas equaled the score two minutes later. In the 56th minute, Kayla Reynaud (Las Cruces, NM) played a long ball to Maria Azarias, who found the back of the net – 2:1 for the Apaches. The Pumas had two huge chances to pull the score to their side, but Samantha Renteria (Rio Rico, AZ) saved both penalty kicks. The Apaches secured the win in the 83rd minute. Kayla Reynaud played a through ball to Jenally Barco (Douglas, AZ), who struck the ball with her left foot to make it a final score of 3-1.
Samantha Renteria recorded six saves, including two saved penalty kicks.
The win puts the Apaches’ record to 8-6-2 and 4-4-2 in the ACCAC conference. Due to results from the other games, the Apaches did not make the playoffs, and their season concluded.