(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (20-1) will be making their first appearance back in the NJCAA Division II National Semifinals since 2021 but it wasn’t easy closing out Pool A on Tuesday against Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (12-4-5).
Sophomore Jacob Lund-Iversen came through in the clutch again as he scored the golden goal in the 93rdminute (6:30 left in the first overtime) as the No. 1 seeded Aztecs defeated the No. 8 seeded Bulldogs 3-2 to advance.
“We had the ball inside the 16 and I thought, ‘I know the ball is going to bounce and it’s going to slip.’ If I got the chance, I just got to be ready, concentrate it and slide it in,” Lund-Iversen said. “On this pitch, and with the rain today, it was hard. The ball was sliding and slipping, long balls from behind go way further than you think. Getting that goal in overtime, is just amazing.”
The Aztecs took a 2-0 advantage. Sophomore Jose Luis Martin Montealegre was fouled inside the box and sophomore Brandon Sanchez (Canyon del Oro HS) converted on the ensuing penalty kick to put the Aztecs on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute.
Pima took a two-goal advantage when sophomore D’Andre Pickett (Tucson Magnet HS) scored on a header that got passed a defender and into the net. Sophomore Dohyun Koh set up the goal with his corner kick assist.
The Bulldogs didn’t go away as Victor Moerck scored in the 67th minute to cut into Pima’s lead. Mississippi Gulf Coast tied the game at 2-2 with Jasintho Wielders’ goal three minutes later in the 70th minute.
“I guess we love going to overtime and making it tough for ourselves,” Pickett said. “It’s the National Tournament and everybody is putting their bodies on the line and giving 100 percent. That’s what you’re going to get. You only got four games if you want to be the National Champion, you have to give everything. Two hard fought wins and we’re just thankful that we’re going to get ready for the next game.”
The Aztecs finished with 23 shots for the game. Sophomore Jose Carlos Ortiz (Barca Academy) closed out the match with four saves.
The Aztecs were the first team to advance to the National Semifinals and they will find out their opponent later tonight as the other three pools finish play later tonight.
Pima goals: Brandon Sanchez (penalty kick) 32nd minute; D’Andre Pickett (Dohyun Koh) 63rd minute; Jacob Lund-Iversen 93rd minute.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Aztec Athletics – Raymond Suarez
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