Posted: Dec 07, 2017

Valenzuela and Gaona named United Soccer Coaches All-Americans

Sophomore Julian Gaona, along with fellow sophomore AJ Valenzuela, were selected first team United Soccer Coaches All-Americans. they led the Aztecs to a third place finish at the NJCAA Division I Tournament and a 19-5-3 overall record. Photo by Ben Carbajal.

Pima Community College men's soccer players AJ Valenzuela (Desert View HS) and Julian Gaona (Tucson HS) received huge honors from the United Soccer Coaches on Thursday.

Sophomores Valenzuela and Gaona were selected first team 2017 United Soccer Coaches Junior College Men's Division I All-Americans.

Valenzuela, a midfielder, played and started in 23 games for the Aztecs and scored two goals along with two assists. He helped the Aztecs outscore opponents 73-29 and post 10 shutouts (nine were victories). He was awarded ACCAC/Region I Player of the Year.

Gaona, a forward, played and started 26 games. He finished the season with 16 goals and eight assists. He was named second team All-ACCAC/Region I.

Valenzuela, Gaona and fellow sophomore Chris Cooper (University HS) were named first team All-West Region.

The Aztecs finished in third place at the NJCAA Division I Tournament last month and had a 19-5-3 overall record on the season.

See the United Soccer Coaches All-American teams