It seemed only fitting that the bright start to the FC Tucson Women’s season would come from a player whose first name is Spanish for “light.”
Former Mexican national team player Luz Duarte scored in each half to help the Women in Black pick up a 2-1 victory over the El Paso Surf at Kino North Stadium on Friday night. The season opener was the first match the FC Tucson Women had played since the end of the 2019 season after having their 2020 season canceled by the pandemic.
“She’s a great leader out there,” FC Tucson Women coach Kelly Pierce said of Duarte. “She obviously is a beast on the field. She’s unstoppable. Her passion for this game just gives me goosebumps. She kicks the game up a level.”
And it was her piledriver of a kick that started the scoring. Duarte struck a lightning bolt with her right foot just outside the 18-yard box to make it 1-0 in the 23rd minute.
The Women in Black continued to pressure El Paso with most of the first half being played in the Surf’s end of the field. FC Tucson saw a couple of shots go over the bar, one-shot deflected to the keeper and a rocket go wide after Duarte made a series of twists and turns that left her open.
El Paso started the second half with more vigor and had a few chances, but it was FC Tucson that got on the scoreboard next. Duarte lofted a wonderful shot into the top right corner to make it 2-0.
The Women in Black will be back in action on Wednesday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at Kino North Stadium. Tickets available here.
