Men's Soccer Earns First Victory of Season in Dramatic Fashion
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Justice College () | 0 | 2 | 2 |
|
Mesa Community College () | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Game Statistics | Justice College | Mesa Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 8 (8) | 9 (10) |
| Saves | 6 | 6 |
| Fouls | 11 | 6 |
| Corner Kicks | 4 | 6 |
| Offsides | 0 | 0 |
Thursday August 28, 2025 - 12:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger
Mesa Community College men's soccer started the 2025 season on a high note, defeating Justice College 3–2 in a thrilling home opener on Tuesday night.
The Thunderbirds took control early in the first half. In the 20th minute, freshman forward Blessed Ekeleme broke through with the opening goal, assisted by Brody Donovan. Mesa extended its advantage just before halftime when Michael Esquivel found the back of the net in the 43rd minute, with Ekeleme providing the assist. The two first-half goals gave the T-Birds a 2–0 lead heading into the break.
Justice College would rally in the second half to make the contest close. In the 73rd minute, the Lions would score to cut the deficit in half, and less than seven minutes later would find the back of the net again to even the match.
In the 89th minute, Donovan came up clutch with the game-winner, finishing a setup from Ian Murdzev to restore the Thunderbirds' lead and secure the 3–2 victory.
MCC will be back in action on Sept. 6 in their conference opener against Paradise Valley CC.
Photo Credit: Francisco Coronado
