Sophomore Julian Gaona scored Pima's only goal in their 2-1 loss at Phoenix College on Tuesday. The Aztecs dropped to 2-1 on the season. Photo by Ben Carbajal/2016
Sophomore Julian Gaona scored Pima's only goal in their 2-1 loss at Phoenix College on Tuesday. The Aztecs dropped to 2-1 on the season. Photo by Ben Carbajal/2016

Gaona nets goal but Aztecs men's soccer falls late at Phoenix College

The Pima Community College men's soccer team (2-1, 2-1 in ACCAC) suffered its first loss of the season on Tuesday.

The No. 13 Aztecs fell 2-1 to No. 17 ranked Phoenix College. This was the first time these teams met since the Region I, Division I championship game last season.

After a scoreless first half, the Bears struck first to take a 1-0 lead but the Aztecs responded nine minutes later when sophomore Julian Gaona (Tucson HS) tied the game in the 68th minute with an assist from freshman Kaskile Zawadi (Cholla HS). The Bears broke the tie for good with a goal in the 85th minute.

The Aztecs finished with eight shots on goal and freshman goalkeeper David Silva had five saves.

The Aztecs will host No. 9 Yavapai College on Friday at the Kino North Grandstand. Game is set for 7:00 p.m. start time.

Pima goal: Gaona (Zawadi) 68th minute.