(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (18-1) is back on top of the mountain as the Aztecs won its first Region I, Division II Championship since the 2020-21 season.
Freshman Robert Castaneda (Nogales HS) scored the golden goal with 28 seconds left in the overtime to give No. 2 seed Pima the 1-0 win over No. 1 seeded Phoenix College. It was Pima’s 11th shutout win of the season and their 11th straight win.
Sophomore Ismael Ruiz (Tucson Magnet HS) crossed it to the left side of the goal post and found Castaneda, who kicked it just over the goalkeeper’s head and into the goal.
“It’s a feeling you can’t explain. There were a lot of shots in the game, and to take the last one in the final minute, you can’t expect it,” Castaneda said. “We practiced it in training, to always be there in the back post.”
The Aztecs and the Bears (17-2-1) played 98 minutes of scoreless soccer. The Bears controlled most of the possession in the first half and had a potential shot hit off the top of the goal post. The Aztecs created opportunities on their side in the last 15 minutes of the first half and came close on a couple of chances in the second half.
MVP Jose Carlos Ortiz – Photo Raymond Suarez
Sophomore Jose Carlos Ortiz (Barca Academy) was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after he finished with seven saves.
“I’m honored to receive the award but really this goes to the whole team and the staff. If it wasn’t for them putting in the hard work, this wouldn’t be possible,” Ortiz said. “It was a very close game, there was a lot of energy from both sides. Phoenix had their chances but overall, I feel like we had more energy and wanted it more. Our defense was great; constant talking and constant support from everyone. Proud of the back line.”
This is Pima’s 11th Region I Championship and it will be their eighth straight appearance at the NJCAA National Tournament and 10th appearance in the last 11 years.
“It’s always a difficult game with Phoenix College; they have good athletes, really well coached and very disciplined,” Pima men’s soccer head coach David Cosgrove said. “We had to survive the first 15 minutes because they were all over us. We made a couple plays and settled in a little bit. We feel, especially with our defense and our goalkeeping, we can stay in games. We think there’s enough good players that we’re eventually going to score against anybody.
“Most important (for the next two weeks) we stay healthy and keep our rhythm going. We’ll take a look at the draw. We feel good where we’re at right now.”
The Aztecs will play in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament from Nov. 17-23 at John Hunt Park and Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, AL.
Pima goal: Robert Castaneda (Ismael Ruiz) 99th minute.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Aztec Athletics – Raymond Suarez
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