AWC soccer pounds Scottsdale

The 10th-ranked Arizona Western College Matadors shut out the Scottsdale Artichokes 4-0 Thursday at AWC, extending their shutout streak to five.

The Matadors’ stingy defense did not allow a single shot on goal until the 57th minute in collecting their fifth straight win.

“The first half was good. We needed to play with a little more intensity. We made good tactical choices and scored some good quality goals,” Matador coach Kenny Dale said.  

Brian Orta put the Matadors (6-1 overall and Arizona Community College Athletic Conference) on the board when he fired a shot that was deflected off an Artichoke defender and found its way in the net.

“The first half was a disappointment. AWC took advantage of our lack of focus,” said Artichoke coach Shawn Harrel.

The Matadors speedy offense scored three more goals in the first half against the Artichokes (1-6-1 overall and ACCAC). Arturo Valle scored off a Julio Castillo assist in the 24th minute. Jordan Evans added to the lead off an Angel Figueroa assist in the 39th minute, and Andrew Reveles capped the scoring assault off an assist from AJ Riga with about 30 seconds left of the first half, giving Arizona Western the 4-0 lead.

“Our team played well. We got our shots off. We need to focus on our next game on Saturday,” said Figueroa. “Each player played their role. We need to come out and play hard against every single team. We are disciplined and we just do what we are told to do, that’s what makes us successful.”