Yoneda's late bender sends Arizona Western back to the national championship game
ENID, Okla. - The Arizona Western College women's soccer team delivered a masterful defensive showcase and edged Seminole State College 1-0 in the NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship semi-finals Thursday afternoon. Sophomore Kei Yoneda struck the decisive goal in the 79th minute, and a disciplined back line anchored by freshman Karen Sodeyama helped Iyan Hernandez record another clean sheet, propelling the Lady Matadors to a 16-1-0 record and a spot in the national title match.
After nearly 80 minutes of tense, scoreless play in wet and rainy conditions, Yoneda broke the deadlock for Arizona Western on a penalty kick from 25 yards that bent past the defensive line and off the goalkeeper's hands in the top right corner of the goal. The opportunity followed a yellow card to Seminole State at the 78-minute mark, Yoneda capitalized less than 15 seconds later, finishing her only shot of the match to put the Lady Matadors on top. The goal was the culmination of sustained second-half pressure, with Linka Ono testing the Seminole defense throughout the afternoon with a team-high five shots and three on goal.
Seminole State nearly responded in the 80th minute, but Iyan Hernandez came up with a critical save to preserve the lead. Hernandez finished with two saves and, along with a cohesive defensive group led by Karen Sodeyama, held Seminole State to just three shots on goal all match. The closing minutes saw Arizona Western absorb late pressure, with Hernandez and the back line remaining impenetrable until the final whistle.
Arizona Western now advances to the national championship final for the second year in a row. Last season, the Lady Matadors fell to Daytona State 2-1 in OT. This season, Arizona Western will get their chance at revenge as Daytona State also reached the final game, setting up a rematch of last year's National Championship. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. MST. Arizona Western will once again host a watch party for fans to watch the game together in the hospitality room located near the gymnasium (GY-108).