Arizona Western tops Otero

The Arizona Western men’s soccer team opened their NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament with a wild game with Otero College.

The Matadors picked up the 1-0 victory to eliminate Otero College who finished the tournament 0-1-1.

The difference came six minutes and two seconds into the second half when Terry Makedika crossed up his defender and put a shot into the corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.

Otero played with 11 players for most of the game due to a red card, but had a couple of opportunities to tie the game.

Arizona Western kept the Rattlers off the scoreboard to post the shutout.

The final minute of the contest was marred by a scuffle that led to two more Otero ejections.

Arizona Western improved to 1-0 in the tournament and will play No. 2 seed Tyler Junior College Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. for a spot in the semifinals.