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HomeNewsFC Tucson Pro Academy Falls In Opener To Defending Champion New Mexico United
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TUCSON, Arizona – FC Tucson Pro Academy could not have drawn a tougher opponent in its 2022 than defending USL Academy Southwest Region champions New Mexico United. And FC Tucson gave the champs all it could handle before dropping a 3-2 decision Sunday at Kino North Grandstand.

FC Tucson struck first just five minutes in.

FC Tucson captain Brandon Sanchez dummied Diego Ruiz’s low cross in the box, which set up Ruben Bonillo perfectly for the tap in.

New Mexico United countered with goals in the eighth and 53rd minutes, before FC Tucson’s Fernando Hernandez collected a rebound and drilled it in the back of the next for the equalizer in the 55th minute.

Unfortunately for FC Tucson, New Mexico United scored the eventual game winner just two minutes after the game was tied, and goalkeeper Evan Kowalski turned away several close calls from FC Tucson in the final 20 minutes to seal the game.

New Mexico United improved to 2-0 after the USL Championship side opened the season with a 4-1 win over El Paso Locomotive.

FC Tucson Pro Academy will play its next match on Sunday, June 12, against El Paso at Kino North Grandstand Field. The event is free to the public to watch.

The USL Youth Academy provides a free path-to-the-pros for local soccer players; allowing them to continue to play for their own clubs or teams, while also giving them an opportunity to train and play in a professional setting.  Local clubs that have players participating on the current FC Tucson Pro Academy team include FC Tucson Youth Academy, RSL Arizona, Barcelona Academy, FBSL Spartans Academy and Phoenix Rising Academy.

GOALS:

  • 5′ – TUC – Ruben Bonillo
  • 8′ – NMUA – Paolo Vela
  • 53′ – NMUA – Andres Robles
  • 55′ – TUC – Fernando Hernandez
  • 57′ – NMUA – Ivan Moore

QUOTES:

  • “New Mexico have a good team right now, you can tell their team was prepared – they’ve been training for a while, playing some games. It was exciting for the guys to play against them. From our side, the time we’ve been together, I’ve been able to introduce some principles I want looking forward with the team. The guys came out with intensity and commitment. They worked hard. They wanted to get the win, but we unfortunately didn’t get there. I’m happy with the performance. There’s a lot of good stuff to take from this and move forward.” – FC Tucson Pro Academy Head Coach Sebastian Pineda
  • “I gave the message to the guys, whenever we get the chance, let’s put the ball in the box and we’ll get the chance on the second ball. I’ve got to give the credit to the guys. They did what I asked and it worked well. They were able to create chances on their own.” – FC Tucson Pro Academy Head Coach Sebastian Pineda

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