It will be 36 days between home games when FC Tucson takes the field Saturday night, and the club is ready to celebrate in style.
FC Tucson will take on defending USL League One champions Union Omaha (BUY TICKETS) as the club teams with Tucson Pride for Forever Proud Pride Night presented by Cox Communications. FC Tucson has played three straight games on the road since its last home match, thanks in part to a postponement of its schedule May 20 home game.
Special guests for the evening include Cox Communications Vice President & System Manager Lisa Lovallo, who will be taking the ceremonial first kick of the match. Lovallo is a Tucson native and University of Arizona graduate, and has previously been named “Woman of the Year” by the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce and received the Ray Davies Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tucson Unified School District Foundation
Dr. Matt Heinz, who represents the constituents of District 2 on the Board of Supervisors for Pima County, will be presenting the match ball ahead of the game.
Reveille Men’s Chorus will sing the National Anthem.
FC Tucson will wear custom versions of its 2022 Monsoon jersey during the match. They will feature unique Pride-themed numbers on the back and a custom Pride-themed team crest on the front.
The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off, starting on Monday, with half of the proceeds going directly to Southern Arizona Aids Foundation (SAAF). SAAF provides many services to the LGBTQ+ community in Tucson including Eon Youth Lounge & Anti-Violence Programs and Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th.
Fans will also be able to purchase customized jerseys sporting the Pride-themed numbers and badges while supplies last.
Pride Packs are also available for $25: The special package includes a game ticket and a limited-edition FC Tucson Pride headband. (Pride Pack Tickets). As part of its continuing support of Tucson Pride throughout the year, FC Tucson will be a sponsor for the 45th Annual Tucson Pride Festival on Oct. 1 at Reid Park; festivities which will include the annual parade on Sept. 30.
FC Tucson’s opponent Saturday will be a very familiar foe.
In the club’s last meeting with Union Omaha, its historic playoff run came to an end in Nebraska. Omaha went on to win the USL League One title.
Omaha (2-1-4) sits eighth in the league with 10 points, only three ahead of FC Tucson (2-5-1). Omaha is still challenging in the U.S. Open Cup, having ‘Cup-set’ MLS opponents Chicago Fire FC and Minnesota United to become the first third division side since 2013 to make it to the quarterfinals.
Returning Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu is tied for first in the league with four clean sheets and has only let up five goals.
FC Tucson has netted goals from eight different players, with Charlie Machell getting his name on the list in the club’s last match. Louis Perez sent in a corner straight to the feet of Machell, who easily tapped it in. It was Perez’s team-leading third assist of the season.
After Saturday, it’s back out on the road for FC Tucson as it takes on league newcomer Central Valley Fuego FC on Saturday, June 18. Fans are encouraged to join the club at Firetruck Brewing Company for the Official Watch Party. Kick off is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT.
