Mesa Legend - News - Exciting play becoming the mark of Mesa soccer

Exciting play becoming the mark of Mesa soccer
Nick Auditore and Krista Mirabelli top scorers for T-Birds
Josh Flores
Mesa Legend
Soccer season is in full swing as both the men and women Thunderbird soccer teams were in action as they played host to Pima Community College (Tucson) on Saturday, September 9, with bittersweet results.

Men

The men’s soccer team suffered a heartbreaking home loss to Pima Community College by the final of 5-1. Controversy struck late in the second half as Pima received a penalty kick when freshman goalie Derek Otton made a tremendous stop, but Pima was awarded a second chance after the referee called an encroachment penalty. Pima scored on the second penalty attempt making it 5-1 and the Thunderbirds failed to recover. The only goal scored for the Thunderbirds was by freshman forward Nick Auditore late in the first half. Auditore, who continues his scorching play, is among top scorers in the ACCAC this season with 12 goals scored as of September 17.

Coach Sal Galvano stated after the game, “We didn’t play as a team, bottom line. It’s a disappointing loss.” Galvano also added, “We didn’t come ready to play this game”.

The men rebounded with a 4-1 win on September 13, against Glendale Community College. They lost 4-2 on September 16, to Chandler-Gilbert Community College. The Thunderbirds are 5-3, going 4-3 in ACCAC play.

Women

Taking the field after the men at John Riggs Stadium were the Lady Thunderbirds. Mesa dominated the Lady Aztecs of Pima, winning by a score of 4-1. Teamwork was on heavy display during the game as the women kept their unblemished record in tact.

“We had fun during the practice before the game and we were ready to go,” Rochelle Bush said. “We all connected as a team and it was a great win”.

Leading goal scorers were forwards Bush and Krista Mirabelli, who each scored two goals in the game.

“Tonight was our best performance of the year, by far,” said head coach Tim Bartmettler. “We have a bunch of great individuals and tonight we played well as a team, that’s encouraging.”

On September 12, Krista Mirabelli was named the National Junior College Athletic Association’s player of the week for her performances against South Mountain and Pima Community College. Mirabelli, who has seven goals and one assist to date, scored once against South Mountain and twice in the Lady Thunderbirds win over Pima Community College. In the Pima game, Mirabelli scored on a strike from 20 yards away.

Mesa remained undefeated as they defeated Glendale Community College 5-0 on September 13, and won again on September 16, edging out Chandler-Gilbert College 1-0. The Lady Thunderbirds are a perfect 7-0 on the year and are ranked #2 nationally.

The next home game for both soccer teams in on Saturday, September 30 at John Riggs Stadium. The boys begin at 4:30 p.m. and the girls start play at 7:00.