Soccer Game Preview: Amphitheater vs. Rio Rico

For the first time this season, Amphitheater will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will look to defend their home pitch on Wednesday against the Rio Rico Hawks at 6:00 p.m. Neither squad made it on the board the last time they hit the pitch, so they've probably got a bit of extra motivation.

Rio Rico is facing Amphitheater at the wrong time: Amphitheater suffered their first home loss of the season on Friday and they're likely out for redemption. They came up short against the Nighthawks, falling 4-1. While losing is never fun, Amphitheater can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Arizona soccer rankings (they are ranked 68th, while Ironwood Ridge are ranked 20th).

Meanwhile, Rio Rico fell victim to Buena and their airtight defense on Monday. They took a 2-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Colts.

Amphitheater's loss dropped their record down to 8-3-1. As for Rio Rico, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-6.

Amphitheater skirted past Rio Rico 7-6 in their previous meeting back in January of 2025. Will the Panthers repeat their success, or do the Hawks have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.