Thatcher, AZ (September 16, 2025) – The College of Southern Nevada Lady Coyotes took to the road on Tuesday for their third ACCAC match of the season, traveling to Thatcher Arizona to face the Eastern Arizona College Gila Monsters. Though the scoreboard tilted against CSN in an 8–0 result, the Lady Coyotes showed fight from start to finish, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and valuable lessons that will carry into the heart of the conference schedule.
With the match complete, CSN moves to 2-2-1 overall and 1-1-1 in ACCAC play, while preparing for a crucial home contest next Tuesday, September 23, against Arizona Western College.
The Lady Coyotes entered the match confident after an impressive 3–0 victory at Yavapai just days earlier. Playing their second consecutive ACCAC road contest, CSN knew the challenge would be significant, with Eastern Arizona boasting one of the deepest rosters in the league.
From the outset, the Coyotes worked to establish defensive structure. Sophomore defenders
Kate Oliva and
Rayen Garrett led an organized back line, while
Iliana Arias provided cover both centrally and wide. Despite early pressure from the home side, CSN looked composed and prepared to counter when opportunities emerged.
However, Eastern Arizona capitalized on their first clear chance, scoring inside the opening five minutes. The early goal placed the Coyotes in a tough position, but the response was positive. Instead of dropping heads, CSN regrouped quickly, tightening their lines and making midfield adjustments through
Leslie Villegas and
Jadelyn Lopez-Torres.
As the half wore on, CSN began to carve out opportunities of their own.
Nathaly Perez-Rodriguez used her speed to stretch the defense, while
Savannah Foschetti tested EAC's keeper with a drive from just outside the box. Freshman
Natasha Oeland also brought energy off the bench, creating a dangerous moment midway through the first half.
Though CSN trailed at the break, the effort and attitude were strong. The bench remained vocal, supporting teammates and encouraging the defensive work that kept the match competitive despite limited possession.
The second half proved demanding as the Coyotes faced waves of pressure from Eastern Arizona. Yet it also provided moments that underscored the team's spirit and character.
Midfielders such as
Ximena Gonzalez-Galeno and
Valeria Castillo dug deep to cover ground and disrupt passing lanes, while Oliva and Arias continued to set the tone with clearances and organization. Even as the scoreline widened, CSN never stopped working, showing pride in their performance and commitment to learning from the experience.
The Lady Coyotes now shift focus to their upcoming home date: Tuesday, September 23 against Arizona Western College at the Cheyenne Sports Complex. The match offers an ideal opportunity to reset, protect home turf, and continue climbing the ACCAC standings.
With their record now 2-2-1 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play, CSN remains firmly in the hunt. The team has already proven capable of strong performances, as seen in the clean-sheet victory at Yavapai. Now, they will look to recapture that formula in front of their home fans.
In Thatcher, the scoreline did not reflect the full story. The Lady Coyotes left the field knowing they faced a tough afternoon, but also knowing they had battled, supported one another, and gained experience that will serve them throughout the season.
Soccer seasons are defined not by one result but by how teams respond. And if there's one thing the Coyotes showed in Thatcher, it's that they have the determination to keep moving forward. With a supportive home crowd awaiting them next week, CSN has the perfect stage to bounce back, play to their strengths, and prove that they are stronger for having faced this challenge.
