TUCSON – The Pima Community College women’s and men’s soccer teams wrapped up their regular seasons Saturday at Scottsdale Community College, with the women securing an undefeated conference record and the men cruising to a 6-1 victory.
Both teams now turn their attention to the NJCAA Region I, Division II Tournament.
Women’s Soccer: No. 5 Aztecs Finish Conference Play Undefeated
The No. 5-ranked Pima women’s soccer team (15-0-2, 12-0-2 ACCAC) battled back in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw against No. 17 Scottsdale Community College (11-1-4, 10-0-4).
The result capped Pima’s second consecutive undefeated conference season, giving the Aztecs a combined 23-0-5 ACCAC record over the past two years.
Sophomore Gabriela Mendoza (Tucson Magnet HS) gave Pima an early advantage, scoring in the sixth minute off an assist from sophomore Alyssa Allan.
Scottsdale answered in the 38th minute when Brooklyn Nguyen tied the game at 1-1. The Artichokes then took a 2-1 lead with 20 minutes remaining on a goal by Sharylnn Arreola Palomares.
Freshman Mckenna Baker (Premier Prep Academy) delivered the equalizer in the 78th minute, connecting on a left-footed shot assisted by sophomore Ava Dagnino (Salpointe Catholic HS).
It was the first time all season Pima had allowed more than one goal in a game. The teams also played to a 1-1 draw on September 26 in Tucson.
Scottsdale held an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal, while Pima freshman goalkeeper Amaya Andrade (Flowing Wells HS) recorded six saves.
Up Next: The Aztecs claimed the ACCAC Division II championship and earned the No. 1 seed in the Region I, Division II Tournament. They will host No. 4 Glendale Community College on Friday at 6 p.m. at the West Campus Aztec Field.
Men’s Soccer: No. 6 Aztecs Rout Scottsdale 6-1
The No. 6-ranked Pima men’s soccer team (12-2-1, 11-2-1 ACCAC) closed the regular season with a commanding 6-1 victory over Scottsdale Community College (6-10, 6-8), extending its unbeaten streak to nine games at 8-0-1.
The Aztecs completed a season sweep of the Artichokes after defeating them 2-0 on September 26.
Pima wasted little time taking control. Sophomore Sean Ribadeneira (Pinnacle HS) scored in the second minute off an assist from freshman Jonathan Karumuna (Pinnacle HS). Six minutes later, the duo reversed roles, with Karumuna scoring off a Ribadeneira assist to make it 2-0.
An own goal extended Pima’s lead before freshman Julius Loeffel scored in the 31st minute off an assist from sophomore Jaycob Humbel (Pinnacle HS).
Sophomore Alek Peral (Nogales HS) added another first-half goal on a cross from freshman Mossi Ombeni (Tucson Magnet HS), giving the Aztecs a commanding 5-0 advantage.
Sophomore Darian Castillo (ASU Prep) capped Pima’s scoring in the 55th minute, converting an assist from Karumuna. Five different Aztecs found the back of the net in the victory.
Scottsdale avoided the shutout when Colvin Chandler scored in the 78th minute.
Pima dominated offensive opportunities, holding a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Tommaso Leonardi recorded one save before giving way to sophomore Gustavo Duran (Nogales HS), who played 23 minutes in the second half. Freshman Tijn Dik handled the final 22 minutes. Neither reserve goalkeeper was required to make a save.
Up Next: Pima enters the Region I, Division II Tournament as the No. 3 seed and will travel to No. 2 Glendale Community College for Thursday’s semifinal at 6 p.m.
Both teams finished conference play with identical 11-2-1 records, but Glendale earned the higher seed based on its 1-0-1 record against Pima during the regular season.
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