Aztecs men's soccer nets four goals in first half to bounce back in NJCAA Tournament

The Pima Community College men's soccer team (15-4-2) recovered from Monday's loss and dominated the first half against Essex County College in Pool D play.

• The No. 9 seeded Aztecs overwhelmed No. 5 Essex County College (12-3-1) with four goals in the first half and went on to a 4-2 victory.
• The Aztecs struck early when sophomore Itsuki Ishihara dribbled and scored on a shot inside the box in the 5^th minute. Sophomore Ricky Gordillo (Maya HS) had the assist.
• Freshman Esteban Manzo (Salpointe Catholic HS) made it 2-0 in the 10^th minute with his goal assisted by sophomore Alec Nguyen (Sahuaro HS).
• Freshman Seung Eon Kim scored the next two for the Aztecs in the 32^nd and 36^th minutes. Ishihara and Kyoji Hata had the assists as the Aztecs led 4-0 at halftime.
• Lucas Libro scored the two goals for the Wolverines in the second half.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Nils Roth finished the game with five saves.

The Aztecs await the result of Wednesday's Pool D match between No. 4 Eastern Florida State College and No. 5 Essex County College (2:00 p.m. MST). The Aztecs advance to the semifinals if: Essex County wins by less than a four-goal margin. The Aztecs are out if: Eastern Florida state wins or if Essex County wins by four goals or more. The national semifinal games on Friday.

Pima goals: Itsuki Ishihara (Ricky Gordillo) 5^th minute; Esteban Manzo (Alec Nguyen) 10^th minute; Seung Eon Kim (Ishihara) 32^nd minute; Kim (Kyoji Hata) 36^th minute.