Sandia defeats Cleveland 2-1 to reach state soccer final

Sandia advanced to the 2026 NMAA State Soccer Championship final after defeating Cleveland 2-1 in Monday’s semifinal match at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho.

Teo Ojeda gave the ninth-seeded Matadors a 1-0 lead ten minutes into the first half. The senior left-footed striker drove past Storm defenders before firing a powerful shot into the net. Ojeda created the majority of Sandia’s offensive chances throughout the game, serving as the primary threat whenever the team needed to maintain pressure.

Cleveland, the fifth seed, struggled to penetrate the Matadors’ defensive line. The Storm (15-6-2) relied heavily on long-range attempts because they had difficulty moving the ball into the penalty area. Sandia (15-7-1) controlled the tempo, particularly in the early stages, while limiting the opposing attack to keep the score at 1-0 at the halftime break.

Isaiah Ornelas extended the Sandia lead to 2-0 midway through the second half. He carried the ball down the right flank and delivered a low cross to the left side of the goal. The Matadors’ supporters grew louder as they pushed for what appeared to be a decisive victory.

Cleveland’s Denym Lodge reduced the deficit in the final minutes of play. The senior forward headed in a goal from a free kick delivered into the box. Lodge’s goal marked the last significant offensive opportunity for the Storm before the final whistle.

Cleveland players dropped to the ground as time expired, while Sandia players celebrated their advancement. The Matadors will face Capital in the state championship final on Thursday.