North Las Vegas, NV – Cheyenne Sports Complex, September 14, 2024
In a fiercely contested conference match, the College of Southern Nevada women's soccer team suffered a tough 2-0 defeat against Yavapai College. Despite a strong second-half effort, the Coyotes couldn't find the back of the net, with both goals coming in the first half for the Roughriders.
The match started evenly, with both teams feeling each other out. The Coyotes created an early chance with Nathaly Perez-Rodriguez's shot in the opening minute, but it was saved by Yavapai goalkeeper Talon Bennett. The Roughriders responded quickly, applying pressure on the CSN defense, and broke through in the 28th minute when Megan Townsend finished a pass from Sophia Fottrell to give Yavapai the 1-0 lead.
Just six minutes later, the Roughriders doubled their advantage with an unfortunate own goal by CSN, putting the Coyotes in a 2-0 hole. The Coyotes worked hard to respond, but despite some late first-half chances, including a blocked shot by Siara Alvarez, they went into halftime trailing by two.
In the second half, CSN stepped up their intensity, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Jayla Colbert had two dangerous chances, but both were saved by the impressive Bennett, who finished the match with five saves. Perez-Rodriguez remained a key player for CSN, taking multiple shots, but the Roughriders' defense stood firm, blocking her efforts and denying the Coyotes a breakthrough goal.
Melinda Bravo-Avendano led a late surge, with several attempts on goal, including a shot in the 87th minute that was narrowly deflected for a corner. Despite their best efforts, the Coyotes couldn't convert their pressure into goals, leaving them frustrated as the final whistle blew with Yavapai holding onto the 2-0 victory.
CSN goalkeeper Nezza Ahumada kept the Coyotes within striking distance, making four crucial saves, including a big stop on Yavapai's Keira Campbell in the second half. The Coyotes' defense, led by Ilene Torres and Alexis Hernandez, worked tirelessly to hold off Yavapai's attacks, especially in the second period, where they allowed only five shots.
With the loss, CSN falls to 3-2-0 overall and 2-1-0 in conference play. The Coyotes will look to regroup and improve their offensive efficiency as they prepare for their next matchup against Eastern Arizona College.
Key Stats:
- Nathaly Perez-Rodriguez led the Coyotes with three shots, two on goal.
- Melinda Bravo-Avendano had three shots, one on goal, and was a key playmaker for CSN.
- Nezza Ahumada recorded four saves, keeping the Coyotes in the game.
- The Coyotes outshot Yavapai in the second half, generating eight shots to Yavapai's five.
Scoring Summary:
- 28:23 – Yavapai: Megan Townsend (Assist: Sophia Fottrell)
- 34:01 – Yavapai: Own Goal (CSN)
Despite the setback, the Coyotes remain optimistic and are determined to continue building on their strong start to the season.
