By Fred J. Robledo
Ask Azusa Pacific’s Mayra Almazan about her most memorable moments over the past few years and it’s no wonder she has to pause and think for a while.
Was it scoring the game-winning goal in sudden-death overtime to lead Azusa Pacific to the National Christian College Athletic Association national championship with a 2-1 victory over Dallas Baptist last fall?
Was it being named the most outstanding offensive player of the tournament, or being named the NCCAA national player of the year?
“It was all humbling,” said Almazan, who also starred at South Hills high school. “Really humbling.”
It could get even better.
Almazan is competing with Costa Rica in the Under-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada this month. Costa Rica is in Group D and opens with France Wednesday followed by games against Paraguay and New Zealand in hopes of advancing past the group stage.
“I’m really excited,” Almazan said. “Nobody expects much from us, we’re one of the (sleepers). Hopefully we can surprise a few teams and get to the next round.”