Chances came aplenty for both sides, but the inaugural Western Clásico on Saturday night ends in a 0-0 draw between FC Tucson and Central Valley Fuego FC at Fresno State Soccer Stadium.
A free kick in the eighth minute got things rolling for Tucson as Louis Perez whipped the ball from outside the box. The ball met with the head of Charlie Machell, who knocked it across the face of goal towards Deri Corfe and Jacob Crull. But Fuego defender Sergio Chavez headed the ball out of danger.
Oh what a set piece 👏
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) June 19, 2022
That goal is coming!!#fuerzatucson 🌵 | #CVvTUC pic.twitter.com/S6Kxv6CFhS
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Fuego pressed into the first half with four chances either being cleared away by Tucson defenders Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio or sailing just wide of the net.
A fast break from Tarn Weir in the 58th minute gave Tucson another chance to take the lead as the ball found the feet of Deri Corfe in front of goal, but the shot went past the net.
😱😱😱#fuerzatucson 🌵 | #CVvTUC pic.twitter.com/XJYPMThaqt
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) June 19, 2022
Tucson continued to push for a goal with Luca Mastrantonio, Gio Calixtro and Tyler Allen all sending the ball towards net, but none found its mark.
A free kick from Daniel Bedoya in the 84th minute found Tevin Shaw in the box but was knocked down by Fuego midfielder Diego Casillas. The referee waved off the foul.
QUOTES
- “Feels great to kick off the rivalry with Fuego again, we have a long history of playing each other back in the USL, PDL, days, and had some epic matches. It’s great to have that rivalry back and we’re looking forward to making these games meaningful for both sets of fans.” – FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman
- “It was a great point tonight and we will push forward to Chattanooga.” – FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman
NEXT UP
FC Tucson will travel back to Tennessee to take on Chattanooga Red Wolves for the second time this season on June 25 at CHI Memorial Stadium. Fans can head to Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ to catch all the action at the Official Watch Party. Kick off is set for 4:30 p.m.
After its road trip, the team heads back to Kino to open a three-game home slate with the rescheduled 520 Day match against Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, June 29, (BUY TICKETS) and the Salute Our Troops Night on Sunday, July 3, against Greenville Triumph SC featuring post-match fireworks. (BUY TICKETS)
