Aztecs Men's Soccer Win Region I, Division I Title, Gorman Named MVP
The Pima Community College men's soccer team (19-2-2) claimed its second straight Region I, Division I title on Saturday at Kino North Stadium.
The No. 3 seeded Aztecs beat No. 4 Phoenix College 3-2. This was the second straight year the Aztecs beat Phoenix College. Pima is the only other team in the ACCAC conference to win back-to-back Region I, Division I titles aside from Yavapai College.
Sophomore Robert Gorman (Nogales HS) put the Aztecs ahead in the 16th minute with a header goal off a corner kick assist from fellow sophomore Jason Romero. The Aztecs took a two goal advantage when freshman Lorenzo Rodriguez scored off a cross-pass assist from sophomore Ryan Bristow (Ironwood Ridge HS) in the 22nd minute.
Jose Ortiz put Phoenix College on the board with a goal in the 25th minute. The Aztecs led 2-1 at halftime.
Sophomore Jason Romero put the Aztecs back up by two goals as he hit a shot that was misplayed by the goalkeeper and a defender to make it 3-1. Phoenix College made it interesting when Iszak Fierro netted a goal in the 88th minute. Taylor Anderson (Salpointe Catholic HS) made a great save with 1:23 left on the clock while freshman Kyle VanAlstine (Cienega HS) and Bristow made great plays to keep the ball out of the box as time ran down.
"That game was fitting for a National final. What a great battle to decide the region final and the environment was terrific," Pima coach David Cosgrove said. "Phoenix College never gave up and my kids showed resilience."
Gorman was named the Region I, Division I finals game Most Valuable Player.
The Aztecs will play Otero Junior College in the West District semifinals next Saturday, Nov. 7. Location and time are TBD.
Pima goals: Gorman (Romero) 16th minute; Rodriguez (Bristow) 22nd minute; Romero 57th minute.
Aztecs Men's Soccer Region I, Division I Champions/Photo by Raymond Suarez
