Arizona Western sophomore Linka Ono is named Region 1 women's soccer "Player of the Year." The 2024 All-American and team captain scored four goals and tallied nine assists during the regular season. Arizona Western head coach Victor Verdugo says it's what she does on the pitch that you don't see in the box score that sets her apart. 

"She is a very special player," Verdugo said. "When she decided to come back after last year, we knew our team just became a little bit stronger. She was an All-American last year and for us now, is one of our captains. She's probably one of the most special players I've gotten to coach here at Arizona Western College. I'm very very proud of her and she has a big future ahead of her. We're hoping she can lead us deep into the playoffs, the regional, the district and the national tournament. We look to her to lead this special sophomore class we've put together and she's one of the pieces that gives us the opportunity to bring home a national title."

Verdugo adds what makes Linka so special.

"It's just the type of player she is," Verdugo said. "Her IQ of the game, how dynamic she is and this year she has grown into one of the players that is expected to step up in the difficult moments and the Eastern Arizona game was a great example where we were tied at one late, in the final minutes she made a great defensive play, intercepted a pass and put home the game winner for us. She's a player across the country, I would say is probably the best player available at the junior college level."

The Lady Matadors begin the playoffs tonight, October 29th, as they host Mohave College in the Region 1 Semi-Finals. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. at Matador Field. Tickets are $7.00 for children and seniors and $10.00 for adults. 

https://portal.stretchinternet.com/awcmatadors