Gaona Scores Game-Winner in Overtime as Men's Soccer Tops Chandler-Gilbert

Gaona Scores Game-Winner in Overtime as Men's Soccer Tops Chandler-Gilbert

The Pima Community College men's soccer team (6-1, 6-1 in ACCAC) picked up an overtime victory on the road on Saturday as they faced a tough challenge at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Freshman Julian Gaona (Tucson Magnet HS) scored the game-winning goal in the 96th minute as the Aztecs beat the Coyotes (3-2-1, 3-2-1) 3-2 in overtime. Sophomore Hector Banegas (Rincon HS) had the assist for Gaona's overhead goal.

The Aztecs took the lead in the first half when freshman Luis Arias Jr. (Desert View HS) scored on a header with an assist from sophomore Kyle VanAlstine (Cienega HS) in the 8th minute. Pima went up 2-0 after freshman Chris Cooper (Rincon/University HS) netted his goal in the 16th minute. The Aztecs led 2-1 after the first half.

The Coyotes tied the game in the 64th minute.

The Aztecs finished with seven shots on goal and sophomore keeper Taylor Anderson (Salpointe Catholic HS) finished with two saves.

"It was a really good win against a very good team," Pima coach David Cosgrove said. "We finally played well. We're hopeful this will get us excited and motivated to keep getting better. After three poor performances, I think the team really responded."

The Coyotes beat Yavapai College earlier in the year. The Aztecs lost to the Roughriders in Prescott.

The Aztecs will be back at the Kino North Grandstand on Tuesday when they host Glendale Community College at 4:30 p.m.

Pima goals: Arias Jr. (VanAlstine) 8th minute; Cooper 16th minute.

Julian Gaona/Photo by Ben Carbajal