Elizabeth Nielson

He shoots, he scores; the crowd goes wild after the University of Utah Men’s soccer team takes first place in the Aztec Cup in San Diego, California.

Playing for the University of Utah men’s soccer team, Andoni Shortsleeve said, “Out of the three years I’ve played college for the University of Utah, the Aztec Cup held in San Diego, California was by far the best win I have ever been a part of.”

Through the entire tournament, the University of Utah men’s soccer team played three games, winning two out of three. The Aztec Cup tournament was held on Sept. 25-27, 2014 and cost about $485 with a minimum of three games lasting 80 minutes each game. Out of 40 teams and four divisions, the University of Utah men’s soccer team took first place in their division in the West Region.

“It is hard to mentally prepare yourself against teams that aren’t from Utah. Local Utah teams, I feel l know them enough now to know how competitive of a team they are,” Alex Jensen said.
Every men’s soccer season at the University of Utah begins in June and ends in October. Through sacrifices and practice, the University of Utah men’s soccer athletes enjoy the competiveness and joy that soccer brings.

“It’s hard not having Anthony home at night until late because of practice, but it’s all worth it. Soccer makes him happy and that makes me happy,” said his wife, Gabby Gonzalez, also a student at the U.
The University of Utah men’s soccer team shares a passion for soccer and makes lifetime memories while doing it.

“I learned how to manage time and made friends that I never would have if I wasn’t a soccer athlete at the University of Utah,” Jensen said. From tournaments, on- and off-season games, to team dinners, the University of Utah men’s soccer team enjoys its soccer community. The University of Utah men’s soccer team is filled with people from all over the country.
The University of Utah men’s soccer 2015 spring tryouts are held Tuesday, March 31 from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the McCarthey track and field and also on Thursday, April 2 at 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the McCarthey track and field. For more information check out their University of Utah men’s soccer page on Facebook.

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