After a first half in which it dominated possession, FC Tucson watched as an old nemesis, the Richmond Kickers, stole a 1-0 win Saturday night at Kino North Stadium.
FC Tucson pressured the Kickers for a large portion of the first 45 minutes but were unable to capitalize.
When the teams returned from the break, the tide shifted toward the Kickers. It paid off at the hour mark, when Vincenzo Candela’s long shot struck FC Tucson midfielder Daniel Bedoya and fell fortuitously to Ethan Bryant who slotted it to Jonathan Bolanos, who converted for the game’s only goal.
Tucson upped the pressure and increased it even more with four subs at the same time in the 75th minute. One of those subs was Donny Toia, a legend in the Tucson soccer scene who was making his USL League One debut in his return.
The former Canyon del Oro High School and FC Tucson star showed a flashes of brilliance, but it was Tarn Weir’s shot that brought the crowd to its feet. The midfielder’s blast from outside the box banged against the crossbar in the 85th minute, denying FC Tucson the equalizer.
OH. MY. 😫 pic.twitter.com/aF58iiyN7k
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) June 30, 2022
GOALS
- 60′ – RIC – Jonathan Bolanos
QUOTES
- “We absolutely controlled play, and we’re great in the build up, but it’s about key moments and the quality of the opportunities in the first half was tremendous. We just need to get on the back of that our players have to find the confidence and the spaces to shoot the ball more.” – FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman
- “It’s disappointing for us to have that controlled effort against a top team and absolutely dominate play, control every facet of the game, but it’s a game of the score and I’m disappointed and disappointed for the fans.” – FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman
- “It obviously would be more exciting to come on when we’re winning, but it was a good feeling to come back onto the pitch and help the team as much as possible.” – FC Tucson Forward Donny Toia
- “I wasn’t expecting to take the number nine right off the bat, but every time I step on the pitch I’m going to give it everything I got.” – FC Tucson Forward Donny Toia
NEXT UP
FC Tucson continues its homestand with a match on Sunday, July 3, against Greenville Triumph SC at Kino North Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
