RICHMOND, Va. — Missing two key returning starters from the lineup, FC Tucson got off to a tough start with a 4-0 loss to the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium Saturday.
FC Tucson was without starting center back Kaelon Fox and starting forward Deri Corfe with minor injuries for its USL League One season opener.
“We had a number of young guys out there; a number of guys who had to play out of position, which was challenging,” said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. “We’re disappointed, really disappointed, to come down here and not be able to create a goal, and give up the kind of goals we gave up. But I was encouraged by the 64% possession, I was encouraged by the number of shots we created.
“We’re moving forward. The guys are not down. They’re disappointed in themselves, but they’re eager to get back out there on Wednesday.”
RELATED: FC Tucson at Richmond Kickers Match Center
Despite these absences, FC Tucson nearly got on the board early only to be denied by 2021 league goalkeeper of the year Akira Fitzgerald.
Emiliano Terzaghi, the two-time reigning Golden Boot winner, got Richmond on the board in the 18th minute. Nil Vinyals doubled the lead in the 34th. FC Tucson’s Louis Perez nearly cut the lead in half but was again denied by Fitzgerald.
Left-footed laser from Perez.
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) April 2, 2022
And he’s robbed.
🖥️: https://t.co/aKkszJsebA#fuerzatucson 🌵 | #RICvTUC pic.twitter.com/WeLwAVvgiD
The Richmond Kickers added a pair of goals in the second half to put the game out of reach.
The game marked the debut of FC Tucson’s 2022 Monsoon jerseys. Fans can purchase the new top online, at the team shop or at any home match.
It was a bit of revenge for the Kickers, who were denied hosting a playoff game last year with a loss to FC Tucson on the final day of the regular season, and then were bounced from the postseason by Tucson a week later.
FC Tucson will get its shot at redemption when Richmond comes to Kino North Stadium for 520 Night on May 20.
It will be a quick turnaround for FC Tucson, which will play in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday at Kino North against the Las Vegas Lights of the USL Championship. Tickets are only $10 (BUY TICKETS).
The club will host its first USL League One home game on Saturday, April 16, against Forward Madison (BUY TICKETS).
