(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (10-1) is heading back to the NJCAA National Tournament as the Aztecs captured its fifth region title in seven years.
The No. 1 seeded Aztecs shut out No. 2 seeded Phoenix College 2-0 to win the NJCAA Region I, Division II and NJCAA West District championships. The Aztecs avenged their 1-0 loss to the Bears from April 24. It was also the fifth shutout victory for the Aztecs this season.
Sophomore Seungeon Kim netted another two goals to put his total at 12 for the season. He scored in the 22nd minute and added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute when sophomore Francisco Manzo (Salpointe Catholic HS) connected with him on a cross pass.
Sophomore Manuel Quiroz (Sunnyside HS) assisted in Kim’s first goal and was a force in the midfield as he was named the Region I, Division II Finals Most Valuable Player.
Coach’s Quote: “I don’t think we played really well, I thought Phoenix played pretty well, but what we did do is play very hard and organized. We defended extremely well; we got some terrific efforts from our defenders and our midfield. We made it really difficult on them,” Pima men’s soccer coach David Cosgrove said. “We took our chances and it helps when you have Seungeon (Kim), Manny (Manuel Quiroz) and Este (Francisco Manzo), who can be dangerous in a split second, and they were. A terrific effort from the entire team; not just tonight but the entire year. They are deserving of the championship.”
Sophomore Juan Suarez (Desert View HS) finished the game with two saves.
The Aztecs went 7-0 at home this season as they returned to play at the West Campus Aztec Soccer Field part of the Chapman Auto Sports Complex. They played at the Kino Sports Complex’s North Stadium and North Grandstand from 2013-2019.
Coach’s Quote: “We talked about that. We wanted to make sure that the first year back at Pima, we didn’t lose any games at home,” Cosgrove said. “It was really difficult to make that happen. All year these guys just answered the bell. When something was needed, they came out with a monster effort and I think they did tonight.”
The Aztecs will compete in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament from June 5-10 at the Stryker Complex in Wichita, KS.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Athletics – Raymond Suarez
