Hernandez records fourth straight shutout, Matadors win 4-0

Mario Soto scored two goals, but the way Oscar Hernandez has been playing lately, only half of that was necessary.

Soto brought his season goal total to five while Hernandez recorded his fourth straight shutout as Arizona Western won at Phoenix 4-0 on Tuesday.

Both of Soto's goals — the first two scored by the Matadors in the 38th and 65th minutes — were assisted by Donal Landrum. Francisco Ramirez and Jordan Evans added goals for the Matadors (5-1 overall and ACCAC).

“In the first half, we missed some opportunities, but we discovered that in terms of flighted balls, we were winning as many as they were,” coach Kenny Dale said. “So in the second half, we decided to play more of a ground game, and that really changed the match. The group we put in right after halftime changed the whole complexion of the match, and it was really nice to watch.”

Hernandez made seven saves while the Matadors peppered Phoenix goalie Dallas Hunter with 19 shots.

The Matadors return home Thursday to host Chandler-Gilbert.