It’s no secret that the men’s soccer team has struggled this season. Up until Thursday, they had only won one game, in overtime, and had struggled to get the ball in the net, scoring only six times compared to their opponents 18 goals. With only a couple returning sophomores, they are young and still learning how to work with each other as a team.

However, on Thursday, there was a glimpse of what the future could look like.

It was just another hot, sunny day in Scottsdale, Ariz. The men’s team was gearing up for only their second afternoon game of the season. The first one, the second match of the season, resulted in a 0-2 loss to Glendale Community College.

This game was different. This game was record setting.

The Geckos, down 0-1 with 90 seconds left in the match, scored twice to shock Scottsdale and win the game. Mitchel Padilla scored the first goal to tie the game, and then Trevor Cates came through with the game winner with only 33 seconds left.

The two clutch goals set the record for the shortest time between goals and the latest goal scored to win in regulation.

The win was the first ever against Scottsdale Community College.

Though this season has proven to be a building year for the team, games like Thursday’s bring some excitement about next season. As Coach Greg Johnson said, they definitely have the heart. With more practice and team building, there is no telling what the future could hold for the Geckos.