Gaona Scores Game-Winner as Men's Soccer Topples Chandler-Gilbert

The Pima Community College men's soccer team (13-3-1, 13-3-1 in ACCAC) survived a back-and-forth battle with Chandler-Gilbert Community College (7-7-2, 7-7-2) on Tuesday at Kino North Stadium.

Freshman Julian Gaona (Tucson Magnet HS) scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 83^rd minute as the No. 14 ranked Aztecs defeated the Coyotes 3-2. Fellow freshman Tatsuma Yuki had the assist.

The Aztecs took a 1-0 lead in the 28^th minute when sophomore Kyle VanAlstine (Cienega HS) scored on a header that was set-up by fellow sophomore Lorenzo Rodriguez's corner kick. Pima led 1-0 at halftime.

The Coyotes tied the game with a goal in the 55^th minute but not to be outdone, sophomore Justin Stoermer (Mountain View HS) put the Aztecs back on top as he weaved his way by a pair of defenders and scored on a shot inside the box in the 64^th minute. Chandler-Gilbert tied the game again with a goal in the 79^th minute.

The Aztecs outshot the Coyotes 10-4 as sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Anderson finished the game with two saves.

The Aztecs swept the regular season series against the Coyotes. Pima won 3-2 in overtime in Chandler last month.

The Aztecs will be on the road on Thursday when they play at Glendale Community College on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

Pima goals: VanAlstine (Rodriguez), Stoermer 64^th minute; Gaona (Yuki) 83^rd minute. 

Julian Gaona/Photo by Ben Carbajal