Tucson, AZ – The Pima Community College men’s soccer team (16-2-3) grinded out a victory on Wednesday in its NJCAA Region I, Division I semifinal match-up against Arizona Western College (14-5-3).
The No. 1 seeded Aztecs defeated the No. 4 seeded Matadors 1-0. Sophomore Julian Gaona (Tucson HS) scored the eventual game-winner in the 61stminute with a shot inside the box. Fellow sophomore Tatsuma Yuki had the assist.
Freshman goalkeeper David Silva finished the game with six saves but none bigger came than with four minutes left as stopped a shot from 20-feet out. The Aztecs were outshot 6-4 for the game.
The Aztecs will look to win their fourth straight Region I, Division I title but they’ll have the tough task of facing No. 2 seeded Yavapai College on Saturday at Kino North Stadium at 6:00 p.m. The Aztecs and the Roughriders tied in each of their two meetings this season.
“Yavapai has been very impressive the last month. It will be a very difficult match,” Pima men’s soccer head coach David Cosgrove said. “It has been four years since the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds have met. We have a tremendous amount of respect for their team and program.”
The Roughriders defeated Phoenix College 3-0 snapping a three-year drought against the Bears in the region tournament.
The Aztecs and the Roughriders have also both qualified for the District I tournament on Nov. 3-4. The winner of the game will host the district tournament.
Pima goals: Julian Gaona (Tatsuma Yuki) 61st minute.
