Posted: Oct 26, 2024
Aztecs Men's Soccer rallies with three unanswered goals to upset No. 2 Phoenix College, secure No. 2 seed for Region I Playoffs
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) 83rd minute.
