May 22, 2011
TIJUANA, Mexico - Former San Diego State men's soccer player Joe Corona (San Diego/Sweetwater HS) scored a goal and assisted on the eventual game-winner to give Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles a 2-1 win over Irapuato FC Saturday at Estadio Caliente.
The victory, coupled with a 0-0 tie Wednesday in the first leg of the Liga de Ascenso playoff, promoted the Xolos into Mexico's first division for the first time in club history.
Corona scored the game's first goal in the 29th minute when he flicked a header past the Irapuato goalkeeper. Minutes later, Corona assisted on Mauro Néstor Gerk's goal to put the Xolos up, 2-0. Tijuana gave up a goal five minutes later but held on for the 2-1 victory.
"I'm so proud of Joe," Aztec men's soccer coach Lev Kirshner said. "He has worked extremely hard to get where he's at and has become such an integral piece of (the Xolos). To contribute in such an important game is a testament to his dedication."
Corona played one season at SDSU, accumulating seven points in 2008 on three goals and one assist in just 501 minutes. A midfielder at San Diego State, Corona played in 15 games, earning three starts. Five of his 10 shots on the season were on net.