(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (16-1, 15-1 in ACCAC) closed out the regular season with a signature win on Saturday at the West Campus Aztec Field.
The No. 4 ranked Aztecs handed No. 2 ranked Phoenix College their first loss of the season after winning 3-1. It was their first win over the Bears since 2021.
Pima closed out the regular season going 9-0 at Aztec Field and on a nine-game winning streak.
Down 1-0, the Aztecs struck back two minutes after falling behind. Sophomore Brandon Sanchez (Canyon del Oro HS) converted on a penalty kick in the 34th minute. The game was tied 1-1 at halftime.
The Aztecs took the lead with 8:35 left in the game when freshman Eythan Mancilla (Sunnyside HS) recovered a deflected shot and scored.
Sophomore Ismael Ruiz (Tucson Magnet HS) added an insurance goal as he scored with 7:21 left after an assist in the box by freshman Jay Hogan.
The Bears (16-1-1, 15-1) scored the first goal of the game with a goal by Richard Tabares in the 32nd minute.
The Aztecs finished with nine shots on goal while the Bears had three for the game. Sophomore Jose Carlos Ortiz (Barca Academy) had two saves.
The Aztecs and the Bears split the two head-to-head meetings during the regular season. Phoenix College won a 2-1 decision in Phoenix on Sept. 21. They finish with identical 15-1 conference records and are Co-ACCAC Conference Champions.
The Aztecs will be the No. 2 seed for the Region I, Division II Tournament. They will host No. 3 seed Glendale Community College in the semifinals on Thursday at the West Campus Aztec Field. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.
Pima goals: Brandon Sanchez (penalty kick) 34th minute; Eythan Mancilla 82nd minute; Ismael Ruiz (Jay Hogan) 83rdminute.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Aztec Athletics – Raymond Suarez
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