TJ Hagen is nearing three successful decades of coaching at Mesa, but five years without a region title was too long. 
The Jackrabbits put an end to that drought Friday night, taking down rival Mountain View, 3-0 to claim the East Valley Region championship. 
Junior Evan Romero scored a pair of goals--one midway through the first half and another on a late penalty kick with 2:58 left in the match. 
Mesa (15-4-1) and Mountain View (9-5-1) will both await their playoff seedings tomorrow morning. 
But for Mesa, Friday night's victory was a satisfying way to end the regular season.

"Winning the region is big especially since (Mountain View) took it the last few years," Hagen said afterward. "These games are usually pretty hard fought with these guys. Tonight was the same until the last few minutes."
The match was a stubborn defensive battle, but Romero was able to pull off a spectacular goal just past the midway point of the first half. Despite being double-teamed, he was able to break free for a shot that found the high corner of the net for the 1-0 lead. 

The second half was much of the same, as neither team was able to get many good looks or shots.

Mesa goalkeeper Alexei Alarcon didn't need to save many shots, but he showed why he's had four straight shutouts. 
"He's the best goalkeeper in the state," Hagen added. 

Late in the game while still holding a 1-0 lead, Romero was fouled and given a penalty kick right at the 3:00 mark. He was able to score, all but securing the win and region championship for Mesa. 
"I'm excited," said Romero, who also broke Mesa's single season assist record this year with 20.

"I know what we can do and we've proven it. Even when we have an off game we've shown we can play with and beat great teams."

Isaias Barron added another Mesa goal in the final moments for the 3-0 final, capping a regular season in which coach Hagen delivered his best. Between transfers and club team, the Jackrabbits lost 16 varsity players after last season's 6A semifinal run, including its leading scorer. But Hagen was able to put together another winning product on the field. 
"These kids had to grow up quick and they really responded," Hagen added. 
Mesa entered the match ranked No. 7 in 6A while the Toros were at No. 12. This is the first postseason an Open Division playoff bracket will be used in soccer. All seedings and brackets will be revealed tomorrow morning. 
Mountain View coach Roberto Morales is still hopeful as the Toros enter the postseason. 
"Mesa's always a great team and always well coached. Tonight was another hard fought game until the last few minutes. We'll be ready for the playoffs."