(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (10-3-3) opened its portion of the NJCAA Division II National Tournament on Tuesday at the Kino North Sports Complex.
The No. 5 seeded Aztecs struggled as they fell to Southeastern Community College (IA) 2-0. There have been three NJCAA Division II National Tournaments and the Aztecs and the Blackhawks have faced off in each one. Pima has lost two of the three meetings. They beat Southeastern in the pool play last year and lost to them in the national semifinal in 2020-21.
Masahito Okund put Southeastern on the board with a goal in the 14th minute. The Blakhawks added to the lead with a goal in the 24th minute by Foslyn Grant.
“It was a rough first half and we started out slow. We hadn’t played a competitive game in two weeks and got caught off the wrong foot,” sophomore Fernando Garate said. “We came in too confident and we got humbled today. We’re going to have to come out stronger next game. It’s a must win. Adjustments are going to have to go all around.”
The Aztecs managed just two shots on goal for the game. Freshman Cristian Sattin finished the match with three saves.
The Aztecs play No. 4 seed Morton Community College tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m. at the Kino North Stadium. The Aztecs need to win by a four-goal margin to advance to the national semifinal round.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Athletics – Raymond Suarez
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