(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (15-1-1) came up short in its bid to claim the NJCAA Region I, Division II Championship.
The No. 1 seeded Aztecs fell to No. 2 Phoenix College 1-1 (4-3 in penalty kicks).
Sophomore Manuel Quiroz (Sunnyside HS) and Sam Lossou (Rincon HS) converted on their penalty kick attempts. Freshman Jesus Virgen’s (Sunnyside HS) shot hit the post. Freshman Cristian Gutierrez (Cholla HS) was able to keep the Aztecs alive to tie it at 3-3. After Phoenix College converted on their fourth attempt, sophomore Rramon Isaku’s shot was stopped by goalkeeper Ricardo Arteaga to end it.
The Aztecs got on the scoreboard first when freshman Jacob Garcia (Walden Grove HS) put the Aztecs up 1-0 with his goal in the 26th minute. Quiroz provided the assist
The Bears (9-5-1) tied the game at 1-1 when Ernesto Osorino scored in the 68th minute.
Coach’s Quote: “Phoenix played very well tonight. It was a tough game,” Pima men’s soccer coach David Cosgrove said. “They’re deserving of a Region Championship. It is always difficult to play a good team three times in a year.”
The Bears outshot the Aztecs 11–6 in on-goal attempts. Sophomore Juan Suarez (Desert View HS) finished with 10 saves.
The Aztecs await the brackets to see if they get in to play at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament held at the Stryker Complex in Wichita, Kansas from Nov. 15-20.
Pima goals: Jacob Garcia (Manuel Quiroz) 26th minute.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Athletics – Raymond Suarez
