By Nate Martinez
Pima Post
The No. 2-seeded Pima men’s soccer team won its second Pool B match in the NJCAA Division II national tournament, defeating the defending champions, No. 7-seeded Southeastern (Iowa) Community College, by a 2-0 score on Wednesday at Wichita, Kansas.
The win advances the Aztecs (17-1-1) to the semifinal round Friday against an opponent to be determined.
Last season, Pima was eliminated by Southeastern (13-8-2) in the semifinal round.
It was a competitive first half Wednesday, ending with a scoreless tie.
Pima’s offense started rolling following the break. Midfielder Ulysses Torres (Sunnyside graduate) scored inside the box seven minutes into the second half.
With 20 minutes left in the match, it was midfielder Jacob Garcia (Walden Grove) who made the second goal of the day, giving the Aztecs a 2-0 lead. Garcia was assisted by midfielder Taein Ka on the play.
Pima goalie Juan Suarez (Desert View) achieved his eighth shutout. Southeastern mustered only 2 shots on goal. The Aztecs had 4 shots on goal.