TUCSON, Ariz. — The 11-seeded Pearl River men's soccer team had a setback Sunday afternoon at the NJCAA Division II Men's Soccer Tournament, falling 4-0 to 2-seed Phoenix College.

"It was obvious from the start that Phoenix is a very good team," head coach Drew Gallant said. "They capitalized on our mistakes and exposed us unlike any team has all year. We knew our chances would be slim, but we still had a few good opportunities. We just couldn't put them away."

MATCH RECAP
Phoenix College (13-1-2 overall) moved in front right as the match began, taking the lead four minutes, 1-0.

Pearl River (11-5-3) had a solid chance to even the score line in the 20th minute. A ball was played forward to the sprinting Kristoff Graham (Clarendon, Jamaica; Clarendon College). The freshman managed to get the ball nearby to Tiago Honorio Jr. (São Paulo, Brazil), but his shot attempt smacked off the post and went out of play.

Phoenix College struck again just before the first half ended, putting a ball into the back of the net in the 40th minute, 2-0.

The Bears continued to pressure the Wildcats when the second half began and added a third goal in the 47th minute of play, 3-0. 

Pearl River earned a free kick outside the box in the 52nd minute. Christopher Dommer (Copenhagen, Denmark; Øregård Gymnasium) attempted to play the ball short to Honorio Jr., but the Bears got a foot on the ball and cleared it out of play.

The 68th minute saw The Bears tack on a fourth goal, 4-0.

PRCC had another goal-scoring chance in the 82nd minute. Honorio Jr. had his back to the goal with possession of the ball. As he was falling to the ground, the 6-foot-4 striker sent a shot that trickled just past the far post and rolled out of play.

UP NEXT
The Wildcats finish off Pool B play tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. MT or 1:30 p.m. CST against St. Louis. The match will be broadcast for a fee at NJCAA.org/network.

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