As the 2025–26 season gets underway, both the Eastern Arizona College Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams have shown early promise, highlighted by road wins, disciplined defense, and key individual performances. With conference play approaching and home debuts just around the corner, the Gila Monsters are building momentum.
Women Open with Back-to-Back Shutouts
The EAC Women’s Soccer team (2-1) opened the season in commanding fashion, earning two clean-sheet victories before suffering their first loss on the road.
In a 2-0 win over North Idaho College, freshman Bryana Castro (Roswell, NM) scored her first collegiate goal, assisted by sophomore Kayme Smith (St. Johns, AZ). In goal, freshman Larissa Sanchez (Las Cruces, NM) recorded two saves to secure the shutout.
The team followed up with a 4-0 road win at Utah State Eastern, powered by a goal from local freshman Adysen Smith (Thatcher, AZ) and an assist from sophomore Lorraine Oliveira (Betim, Brazil). Sophomore Abbi Sanford (Hooper, UT) added pressure with two shots, while Sanchez notched three more saves in her second shutout.
The Gila Monsters’ first loss came at the hands of Salt Lake Community College, falling 3-0 on the road despite another strong showing from Sanchez in goal.
Men’s Team Showing Grit in Early Season Battles
The EAC Men’s Soccer team (2-2-1) has displayed both firepower and resilience through its first five matches, with two road victories and a thrilling draw at home.
The season opened with a 6-0 rout of GateWay Community College, where redshirt sophomore Angel Berrios (Tucson, AZ) struck twice and freshman Samuel Prado (Miami, FL) dished out two assists. Freshman keeper Bruno Santos (Porto Alegre, Brazil) kept the clean sheet with four saves.
After a home loss to Pima Community College (5-1), where Isaiah Owens (El Paso, TX) scored and Jorge Martinez (Miami, FL) recorded an assist, the Monsters bounced back with a 4-1 road win at UDA Las Cruces. Sophomore Davi Barros (Varginha, Brazil) starred with two goals and two assists, while freshman Angel Moreno (Gilbert, AZ) added two assists of his own.
EAC then fell 6-0 at Western Texas but closed out the month with a gritty 1-1 draw at home against Central Wyoming College, led by a goal from Izan Llinas (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) and an assist from freshman Axel Martinez (Somerton, AZ). In goal, sophomore Caio Tazinazzo (São Paulo, Brazil) recorded 10 saves in a standout performance.
Looking Ahead: Home Openers on the Horizon
Both squads will host games on Saturday, September 6 at John Mickelson Field. The women take on Cochise College at 4:30 p.m., followed by the men against El Paso Locomotive at 7:00 p.m.
