(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (12-2-1) took the advantage on two occasions but could not close out Glendale Community College (9-4-3) on Wednesday in the NJCAA Region I, Division II Semifinals.
The No. 1 seeded Aztecs fell to the No. 4 Gauchos 2-2 (Glendale wins penalty kicks 3-0). This is the first time the Aztecs have been bounced from the Region I, Division II Tournament in the semifinal round since they moved to Division II play in 2020.
Freshman Brandon Sanchez (Canyon del Oro HS), and sophomores Victor Loredo (Metro Tech) and Stetson Milligan (Cienega HS) could not convert on their penalty kicks while the Gauchos made their attempts to win it and advance.
The Aztecs struck first with 9:59 left in the first half when Milligan drove in a goal with the assist from freshman Jose Luis Martin Montealegre. The Aztecs led 1-0 at the break.
The Gauchos tied the game in the 66th minute with a goal from Josue Hernandez but the Aztecs went back up 2-1 six minutes later when sophomore Daniel Ehler (Marana HS) scored in the box off a header in the 72nd minute. Freshman Nico Valenzuela (Salpointe Catholic HS) set up Ehler with the corner kick assist.
The Gauchos tied it at 2-2 with 7:25 left on the clock after Jason Almanza’s goal.
The Aztecs outshot the Gauchos 11-8. Sophomore James Lynch (Salpointe Catholic HS) finished the game with seven saves.
The Aztecs await word if they qualify for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament with an at-large bid.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Aztec Athletics – Raymond Suarez
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