Roughriders Finish 5th

The seven-time NJCAA National Champion Roughrider soccer team finishes the National Tournament in a tie for fifth place after a tying Essex County College, 1-1 Sunday morning in the Consolation Finals in Trenton, NJ. According to NJCAA rules, consolation championships do not play overtime. YC finishes the season tied for fifth in the country and keeps their 19-year streak alive of never having a losing record at the NJCAA National Tournament. In addition to that streak, YC has never lost a consolation match which is “a tribute to the players, past and present, playing with tremendous pride”, said Head Coach Mike Pantalione.

Essex County got on the board first with a goal in the 36th minute of play. YC scored the equalizer and final goal of the match in the 42nd minute of play when Gavin LaFollette found a streaking Gabriel Okito who deposited the ball into the back of the net. The Roughriders had their opportunities as they outshot Essex, 22-11. Essex earned their trip to the National Tournament by beating the host school and national soccer powerhouse Mercer County Community College.

Gabriel Okito was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team. Ricky Gabrielson, Gavin LaFollette, Drew Russell, Ryan Fuertsch and Kyle Woodson had solid performances throughout the week.

As a team, Yavapai received the Sportsmanship Award for the tournament. That marks the fifth time that a Pantalione coached team has garnered such an honor.

YC concludes the season with a 19-5-1 overall record, their 19th Region I Championship and their 19th trip to the National Tournament in the past 20 years.