Mohave Bighorns look to close out season with momentum

The Mohave College men’s soccer team started the week strong, showcasing both offensive firepower and solid team play in their latest conference matches.

The week kicked off with a 4–1 home victory over Yavapai College Saturday, Oct. 11. After falling behind early, Lazzar Ramos tied the game late in the first half, and Alan Salgado gave Mohave the lead early in the second with an assist by Mauricio Velazquez. Ramos added two more goals, assisted by Erik Nava and Brayan Lino, to secure the win. The Bighorns outshot Yavapai 21–9, held the corner kick advantage 6–4, and goalkeeper Pablo Saavedra made three saves to help preserve the victory.

The Mohave College men’s soccer team closed out the week with a strong 3–0 win over Eastern Arizona College. Lazzar Ramos opened the scoring early off a setup from Dominic Portale, while Mauricio Velazquez added two second-half goals with assists from Alan Salgado, Chase Radford and Nolan Garcia.

“Very good response this week from the group bouncing back from Phoenix with two wins against tough conference opponents. Now we look to recover and finish the regular season with two games in four days against Arizona Western,” said Camilo Valencia, Men’s Head Coach. 

The Bighorns are currently ranked #16 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) DI Men’s Soccer Rankings, and #8 in the United Soccer Coaches NJCAA Division I Men’s Rankings. Lazzar Ramos was also named NJCAA Player of the Week for his standout performance.

The Bighorns now turn their focus to the final two games of the regular season. Mohave will host Arizona Western College Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., and will close out the season on the road against Arizona Western College Friday, Oct. 24, also at 7 p.m.

“I want to invite our fans to come out Tuesday and not only support the team but also watch our 13 returning sophomores play their last home regular season game. They’ve given everything to the program for two seasons and deserve a big crowd as they close their historic careers as Bighorns,” Valencia said.

Following the regular season, the men will be hosting the Region 1 semifinal on Tuesday, Oct. 28, with the opponent still to be determined. Visit mohavesoccer.com to stay up to date.