The last time Arizona Western and Phoenix College met on the pitch came in 2023 at Hoy Stadium in Phoenix. The game ended in a physical 2-2 draw. This season, the Division II power made thier way to Matador Field. The Bears control the game from start to finishbeginning with the game's first goal in the seventh minute by sophomore Cruzeiro Cruz who blasted a centering pass from Fredy Alvarez. Moments later, in the 19th minute, Alvarez got behind the AWC defenders to find the back of the net, giving Phoenix an early 2-0 lead. Arizona Western responed just before the half as Ziad Barakat landed a beautiful bicycle kick off a corner kick in the 44th minute to bring the Matadors within one. The Matadors could not get much going in the second half as the Bears dominated play. 

"We didn't deserve to win," Matadors head coach Kenny Dale said. "They were more physical and controlled the game. I don't think my players were ready for that. We talked about how physical they would be and I think we were a little nervous and it showed."

The Matadors were outshot by Phoenix 15-7. With the loss, Arizona Western falls to 1-1 on the season. Phoenic College improves to 2-0. The Matadors will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Scottsdale for a showdown with Scottsdale Community college. Game time is scheduloed to start at 5:45 p.m.