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FC Tucson midfielder Charlie Dennis and defender Noah Franke have been named to the USL League One All-League Second Team for the 2021 season. 

Each club's management voted on the top performing players of the year. 

FC Tucson midfielder Charlie Dennis and defender Noah Franke have been named to the USL League One All-League Second Team for the 2021 season. 

Each club’s management voted on the top performing players of the year. 

Franke makes the team after having a strong season defensively and offensively. Defensively, he was a staple in Tucson's backline by winning 31 tackles gaining a 71.1 percent success rate while recording 148 recoveries. He also ranked 11th in the league with 43 interceptions made all season. 

Franke was also solid up front by grabbing four assists this season. He also had 20 chances created and had an overall passing accuracy rate of 82.7 percent. 

Franke makes the team after having a strong season defensively and offensively. Defensively, he was a staple in Tucson’s backline by winning 31 tackles gaining a 71.1 percent success rate while recording 148 recoveries. He also ranked 11th in the league with 43 interceptions made all season. 

Franke was also solid up front by grabbing four assists this season. He also had 20 chances created and had an overall passing accuracy rate of 82.7 percent. 

Dennis was the lynchpin in FC Tucson's midfield this year. He led the team with nine goals and eight assists, finishing tied for second in the league in the latter. He also ranked sixth in the league with 43 key passes and completed 79.2 percent of his passes overall. 

FC Tucson continues its road to the Championship on Saturday November 13 with a trip to Union Omaha. The club is hosting a watch party at American Eat Co. starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday. 

Dennis was the lynchpin in FC Tucson’s midfield this year. He led the team with nine goals and eight assists, finishing tied for second in the league in the latter. He also ranked sixth in the league with 43 key passes and completed 79.2 percent of his passes overall. 

FC Tucson continues its road to the Championship on Saturday November 13 with a trip to Union Omaha. The club is hosting a watch party at American Eat Co. starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday. 

A late goal from Deri Corfe sealed a 1-0 win over the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One playoffs presented by TwinSpires. 

The victory secured a trip to Nebraska as the club faces Union Omaha in the semifinals, and FC Tucson will be host a watch party at American Eat Co. & Market for all fans who are not traveling to Omaha. 

RELATED: American Eat Co. Website

A late goal from Deri Corfe sealed a 1-0 win over the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One playoffs presented by TwinSpires. 

The victory secured a trip to Nebraska as the club faces Union Omaha in the semifinals, and FC Tucson will be host a watch party at American Eat Co. & Market for all fans who are not traveling to Omaha. 

RELATED: American Eat Co. Website

The event will begin at 2 p.m. and the game will kickoff at 3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear black at the watch party to showcase our support of the Men in Black at home. 

Merchandise will be on sale at the event as well. Few limited edition items, such as the Día de los Muertos hoodie and t-shirt, and the 2021 USL League One Playoff tee, are still available for purchase. 

The club's reserve squad will also be attending the event to showcase their support for the team and party with the fans. 

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs Richmond Kickers

American Eat Co. & Market will also be hosting their Weekend of Giving on Saturday from 5-9 p.m. There will be live music, games, and pop ups at the event. 

Attendees are encouraged to donate items such as non-perishable food, kids pajamas, kids books and monetary donations. All proceeds will benefit Mariachi Aztlan of Pueblo High School, Angel Heart Pajama Project, and Quincie Douglas Community Center / Tucson Urban League. 

The event will begin at 2 p.m. and the game will kickoff at 3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear black at the watch party to showcase our support of the Men in Black at home. 

Merchandise will be on sale at the event as well. Few limited edition items, such as the Día de los Muertos hoodie and t-shirt, and the 2021 USL League One Playoff tee, are still available for purchase. 

The club’s reserve squad will also be attending the event to showcase their support for the team and party with the fans. 

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs Richmond Kickers

American Eat Co. & Market will also be hosting their Weekend of Giving on Saturday from 5-9 p.m. There will be live music, games, and pop ups at the event. 

Attendees are encouraged to donate items such as non-perishable food, kids pajamas, kids books and monetary donations. All proceeds will benefit Mariachi Aztlan of Pueblo High School, Angel Heart Pajama Project, and Quincie Douglas Community Center / Tucson Urban League. 

An amazing turn in the box and a stunning left-footed shot from forward Deri Corfe in the 87th minute lifted FC Tucson to a 1-0 victory over the Richmond Kickers in a first round USL League One playoff match at Kino North Stadium on Saturday night.

The win marked the first professional playoff win for FC Tucson, which advanced to the semifinals. The club will travel to Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 13, to take on regular-season champion Union Omaha.

FC Tucson, which defeated the Kickers the week before to earn a playoff berth, came out trying to use the momentum of the 4-2 win seven days prior. In front of a season-best crowd of 1,793, the club had numerous chances in the first 45 minutes, including Corfe’s tight-angle shot that hit the crossbar.

An amazing turn in the box and a stunning left-footed shot from forward Deri Corfe in the 87th minute lifted FC Tucson to a 1-0 victory over the Richmond Kickers in a first round USL League One playoff match at Kino North Stadium on Saturday night.

The win marked the first professional playoff win for FC Tucson, which advanced to the semifinals. The club will travel to Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 13, to take on regular-season champion Union Omaha.

FC Tucson, which defeated the Kickers the week before to earn a playoff berth, came out trying to use the momentum of the 4-2 win seven days prior. In front of a season-best crowd of 1,793, the club had numerous chances in the first 45 minutes, including Corfe’s tight-angle shot that hit the crossbar.

Richmond came out on the front foot to start the second 45 minutes, but weren’t able to crack the FC Tucson defense or the hands of goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley.

Ethan Bryant had a whistling shot that Lapsley pushed wide to keep it scoreless in the 62nd minute.

Lapsley finished with fives saves and two punches.

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs Richmond Kickers

The club continued to weather the storms and then watched a late lightning bolt from Corfe seal the club’s historic victory.

The Englishman picked up the ball just inside the box on the right side and made a quick turn before lunging forward a few steps and striking the ball in the upper part of the net and beating keeper Akira Fitzgerald.

“It feels amazing,” Corfe said “Obviously a lot of hard work went into this.

“I could feel there was going to be a chance to decide this game. But sometimes it’s tough. Sometimes you don’t get the chances, but you have to be prepared when you do.”

FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman, who took over when the club was struggling earlier this season, knew it might just come down to one kick.

“I said all week it’s going to be about moments and we delivered in the moment,” Pearlman said. “It is an amazing accomplishment for everyone.”

Richmond came out on the front foot to start the second 45 minutes, but weren’t able to crack the FC Tucson defense or the hands of goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley.

Ethan Bryant had a whistling shot that Lapsley pushed wide to keep it scoreless in the 62nd minute.

Lapsley finished with fives saves and two punches.

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs Richmond Kickers

The club continued to weather the storms and then watched a late lightning bolt from Corfe seal the club’s historic victory.

The Englishman picked up the ball just inside the box on the right side and made a quick turn before lunging forward a few steps and striking the ball in the upper part of the net and beating keeper Akira Fitzgerald.

“It feels amazing,” Corfe said “Obviously a lot of hard work went into this.

“I could feel there was going to be a chance to decide this game. But sometimes it’s tough. Sometimes you don’t get the chances, but you have to be prepared when you do.”

FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman, who took over when the club was struggling earlier this season, knew it might just come down to one kick.

“I said all week it’s going to be about moments and we delivered in the moment,” Pearlman said. “It is an amazing accomplishment for everyone.”

This season saw FC Tucson go from eleventh in the league with playoffs being out of mind to hosting the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires.

An electric season by the club showcased brought the club up from the sidelines to the forefront of the league and the community. The regular season has ended, and FC Tucson has made history as well as some of its players. 

This season saw FC Tucson go from eleventh in the league with playoffs being out of mind to hosting the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires.

An electric season by the club showcased brought the club up from the sidelines to the forefront of the league and the community. The regular season has ended, and FC Tucson has made history as well as some of its players. 

In his second season with the club, midfielder Charlie Dennis became just the second player in team history to be the sole leader in goals (9) and assists (8) in the same league season. In 2015 David Clemens had six PDL goals and four league assists to lead the team in both categories. 

Dennis' total of eight assists this season is a club record for league matches and his total over his two years at FC Tucson is 13, also a club record for career league matches. 

In his second season with the club, midfielder Charlie Dennis became just the second player in team history to be the sole leader in goals (9) and assists (8) in the same league season. In 2015 David Clemens had six PDL goals and four league assists to lead the team in both categories. 

Dennis’ total of eight assists this season is a club record for league matches and his total over his two years at FC Tucson is 13, also a club record for career league matches. 

Goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley became just the second player in team history to play every minute of every league match. Lapsley played all 2,520 minutes of FC Tucson's season over 28 league games. In 2020, Niall Logue started all 16 games and played all 1,440 minutes for FC Tucson. 

Lapsley's four shutouts this season tied him with Philip Ejimadu (2019) for most clean sheets in a USL League One season by an FC Tucson keeper. 

Goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley became just the second player in team history to play every minute of every league match. Lapsley played all 2,520 minutes of FC Tucson’s season over 28 league games. In 2020, Niall Logue started all 16 games and played all 1,440 minutes for FC Tucson. 

Lapsley’s four shutouts this season tied him with Philip Ejimadu (2019) for most clean sheets in a USL League One season by an FC Tucson keeper. 

By scoring his eighth goal of the season in last Saturday's game, forward Shak Adams is now tied for third on the team list for career league goals with 12. He is tied with Moshe Perez (2017) and Afonso Pinheiro (2016-17). Adams is seventh on the list of career goals in all competitions. 

By scoring his eighth goal of the season in last Saturday’s game, forward Shak Adams is now tied for third on the team list for career league goals with 12. He is tied with Moshe Perez (2017) and Afonso Pinheiro (2016-17). Adams is seventh on the list of career goals in all competitions. 

Last Saturday night's attendance figure of 1,566 at Kino North Stadium was the 10th highest total for a league match in team history. It was the 19th highest total among all matches played in franchise history, which includes multiple-game days with MLS teams. 

FC Tucson begins its first playoff push in its USL League One history. The game will be a rematch against Richmond Kickers, who the club beat 4-2 on October 30. The quarterfinals will kickoff on November 6 at 7 p.m. at Kino North Stadium. (BUY TICKETS). 

Last Saturday night’s attendance figure of 1,566 at Kino North Stadium was the 10th highest total for a league match in team history. It was the 19th highest total among all matches played in franchise history, which includes multiple-game days with MLS teams. 

FC Tucson begins its first playoff push in its USL League One history. The game will be a rematch against Richmond Kickers, who the club beat 4-2 on October 30. The quarterfinals will kickoff on November 6 at 7 p.m. at Kino North Stadium. (BUY TICKETS). 

Some déjà vu is happening on Saturday as FC Tucson welcomes the Richmond Kickers to the desert once again.

Both teams faced off in the USL League One regular season finale last weekend at Kino North Stadium, and will face off again in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires. 

Saturday's game, which is presented by the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, will kickoff at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Kino North. (BUY TICKETS). 

On October 30, FC Tucson grabbed a crucial win 4-2 win against Richmond. The win vaulted Tucson (11-10-7, 40 points) from seventh to fourth place in the final standings. This secured home field advantage for the club in the first round game.

Richmond (11-10-7, 40 points) dropped a spot to fifth with the loss. The two clubs ended the season even on points and wins, but Tucson moved above them with +2 goal differential. 

RELATED: USL League One Standings 

This is the third time this season that the two clubs have faced each other, and the first in the postseason.

In the most recent matchup, FC Tucson scored two goals in the second half and staved off a Richmond rally to reach the playoffs for the first time in its USL League One history. 

After conceding a goal in the 22nd minute, defender Maxi Schenfeld found the corner of the next just two minutes later. 

Some déjà vu is happening on Saturday as FC Tucson welcomes the Richmond Kickers to the desert once again.

Both teams faced off in the USL League One regular season finale last weekend at Kino North Stadium, and will face off again in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires. 

Saturday’s game, which is presented by the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, will kickoff at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Kino North. (BUY TICKETS). 

On October 30, FC Tucson grabbed a crucial win 4-2 win against Richmond. The win vaulted Tucson (11-10-7, 40 points) from seventh to fourth place in the final standings. This secured home field advantage for the club in the first round game.

Richmond (11-10-7, 40 points) dropped a spot to fifth with the loss. The two clubs ended the season even on points and wins, but Tucson moved above them with +2 goal differential. 

RELATED: USL League One Standings 

This is the third time this season that the two clubs have faced each other, and the first in the postseason.

In the most recent matchup, FC Tucson scored two goals in the second half and staved off a Richmond rally to reach the playoffs for the first time in its USL League One history. 

After conceding a goal in the 22nd minute, defender Maxi Schenfeld found the corner of the next just two minutes later. 

Deri Corfe gave FC Tucson the lead in the 42nd minute after scoring a similar goal to Schenfeld. 

At the start of the second half, Richmond Kickers forward Emiliano Terzaghi converted a penalty kick to bring the two teams level again. 

Deri Corfe gave FC Tucson the lead in the 42nd minute after scoring a similar goal to Schenfeld. 

At the start of the second half, Richmond Kickers forward Emiliano Terzaghi converted a penalty kick to bring the two teams level again. 

The two teams were level for only two minutes as Luca Mastrantonio headed in a corner from Charlie Dennis to make it 3-2. 

The two teams were level for only two minutes as Luca Mastrantonio headed in a corner from Charlie Dennis to make it 3-2. 

Shak Adams grabbed an insurance goal for FC Tucson in the 58th minute on a sizzling shot from an acute angle. 

Shak Adams grabbed an insurance goal for FC Tucson in the 58th minute on a sizzling shot from an acute angle. 

Richmond's Terzaghi lead the league with 18 goals scored to earn the USL League One Golden Boot for the second straight season. Teammate Jonathan Bolanos followed Terzaghi as Richmond's second highest goal scorer with five goals. 

Charlie Dennis lead FC Tucson with nine goals scored this season followed by Adams with eight and Corfe with seven. 

A win secures a trip to Omaha or Greenville to take on Union Omaha or Greenville Triumph SC in the semifinals. 

Richmond’s Terzaghi lead the league with 18 goals scored to earn the USL League One Golden Boot for the second straight season. Teammate Jonathan Bolanos followed Terzaghi as Richmond’s second highest goal scorer with five goals. 

Charlie Dennis lead FC Tucson with nine goals scored this season followed by Adams with eight and Corfe with seven. 

A win secures a trip to Omaha or Greenville to take on Union Omaha or Greenville Triumph SC in the semifinals. 

Saturday night’s scintillating victory over the Richmond Kickers gave FC Tucson the first playoff berth in its USL League One history, but the club and the coach are no strangers to the postseason. In fact, they were playoff regulars during their Player Development League days.

In its seven seasons in the PDL, FC Tucson made the playoffs in all but one year, and the club reached the Western Conference title match four times. The club had a 6-6 record during their PDL playoff days.

It didn’t take long for FC Tucson to make its mark. In 2012, its first season in the PDL, the club went 9-4-4 and reached the playoffs. Donny Toia, who was a star player at Pima Community College and Canyon del Oro High School before rising up the pro ladder to Real Salt Lake, gave FC Tucson a lead just after the break. But a pair of Sounders FC U-23 goals in the following 17 minutes quickly ended the hopes of the fledgling program. 

Two seasons later, the club proved it was not going to be a quick out this time. In a one-off match played in Las Vegas, FC Tucson defeated Los Angeles Misioneros FC, 2-1, on goals by Peter Kelly and Christian Volesky. It was, however, goalkeeper Billy Thompson who provided the moment of the match. He dived to his right, stretching out his 6-foot-6-inch frame to save a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time and give the club its first playoff win.

That victory earned FC Tucson a chance to host the 2014 PDL Western Conference semifinals and final the following week. It was again late drama that locked up playoff win No. 2. In the 94th minute, the final minute of the match, Sebastian De Rada headed home a corner from 2 yards to seal a 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 at Kino North Stadium. Playing the next night, FC Tucson fell to the Kitsap Pumas 3-0 in the final.

The following season, it was former Pima College and Nogales High School standout Edgar Reyna who emerged as the hero. Reyna, a defender once called a “legend” and “folk hero” of the club, scored in the 86th minute to give FC Tucson a 2-1 win over Albuquerque Sol FC in a first-round match at Kino North Stadium. The winning ways continued the next week at Kino when the club gained revenge from the previous year’s ousting by clobbering the Kitsap Pumas 4-1 in the semifinals. In the final a day later, Reyna scored again but it wasn’t enough to overcome two Sounders FC U-23 goals.

Saturday night’s scintillating victory over the Richmond Kickers gave FC Tucson the first playoff berth in its USL League One history, but the club and the coach are no strangers to the postseason. In fact, they were playoff regulars during their Player Development League days.

In its seven seasons in the PDL, FC Tucson made the playoffs in all but one year, and the club reached the Western Conference title match four times. The club had a 6-6 record during their PDL playoff days.

It didn’t take long for FC Tucson to make its mark. In 2012, its first season in the PDL, the club went 9-4-4 and reached the playoffs. Donny Toia, who was a star player at Pima Community College and Canyon del Oro High School before rising up the pro ladder to Real Salt Lake, gave FC Tucson a lead just after the break. But a pair of Sounders FC U-23 goals in the following 17 minutes quickly ended the hopes of the fledgling program. 

Two seasons later, the club proved it was not going to be a quick out this time. In a one-off match played in Las Vegas, FC Tucson defeated Los Angeles Misioneros FC, 2-1, on goals by Peter Kelly and Christian Volesky. It was, however, goalkeeper Billy Thompson who provided the moment of the match. He dived to his right, stretching out his 6-foot-6-inch frame to save a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time and give the club its first playoff win.

That victory earned FC Tucson a chance to host the 2014 PDL Western Conference semifinals and final the following week. It was again late drama that locked up playoff win No. 2. In the 94th minute, the final minute of the match, Sebastian De Rada headed home a corner from 2 yards to seal a 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 at Kino North Stadium. Playing the next night, FC Tucson fell to the Kitsap Pumas 3-0 in the final.

The following season, it was former Pima College and Nogales High School standout Edgar Reyna who emerged as the hero. Reyna, a defender once called a “legend” and “folk hero” of the club, scored in the 86th minute to give FC Tucson a 2-1 win over Albuquerque Sol FC in a first-round match at Kino North Stadium. The winning ways continued the next week at Kino when the club gained revenge from the previous year’s ousting by clobbering the Kitsap Pumas 4-1 in the semifinals. In the final a day later, Reyna scored again but it wasn’t enough to overcome two Sounders FC U-23 goals.

For a third straight season, FC Tucson opened its postseason with a victory, this time it was a 3-2 win over Burlingame Dragons FC in the 2016 Western Conference semifinals at Kino. An 83rd-minute goal by Ozzie Ramos provided the difference and pushed the club to its third consecutive PDL Western Conference final. An 80th-minute goal by Calgary Foothills FC broke a 1-1 tie and ended FC Tucson’s bid to reach the league’s Final Four.

In 2017, lightning strikes forced the PDL Western Conference semifinals to be delayed at Kino North Stadium and it was almost the bewitching hour of midnight when the club were defeated 1-0 by the Fresno Fuego.

During those first five postseason appearances, current FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman played a crucial role as general manager. He was also the coach or assistant coach on those playoff teams. 

With Pima College coaching legend Dave Cosgrove taking over, FC Tucson made it five straight seasons in which it made postseason play and, while the matches were not at the friendly confines of Kino in 2018, the club still had the penchant for drama. 

FC Tucson rallied from a 2-0 deficit with AJ Valenzuela, a former standout at Pima CC and Desert View High School, scoring on a bicycle kick in stoppage time to even the match in Whittier, California. After a scoreless extra time, the club converted three of their four penalties while top-seeded FC Golden State Force managed just one. Returning the next day, the Men in Black put on a gutty performance before falling 2-0 to Calgary Foothills FC in the Western Conference final.

FC Tucson's first professional playoff game is Saturday at Kino North Stadium. The club will host the Richmond Kickers and the game will kickoff at 7 p.m. (BUY TICKETS). 

For a third straight season, FC Tucson opened its postseason with a victory, this time it was a 3-2 win over Burlingame Dragons FC in the 2016 Western Conference semifinals at Kino. An 83rd-minute goal by Ozzie Ramos provided the difference and pushed the club to its third consecutive PDL Western Conference final. An 80th-minute goal by Calgary Foothills FC broke a 1-1 tie and ended FC Tucson’s bid to reach the league’s Final Four.

In 2017, lightning strikes forced the PDL Western Conference semifinals to be delayed at Kino North Stadium and it was almost the bewitching hour of midnight when the club were defeated 1-0 by the Fresno Fuego.

During those first five postseason appearances, current FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman played a crucial role as general manager. He was also the coach or assistant coach on those playoff teams. 

With Pima College coaching legend Dave Cosgrove taking over, FC Tucson made it five straight seasons in which it made postseason play and, while the matches were not at the friendly confines of Kino in 2018, the club still had the penchant for drama. 

FC Tucson rallied from a 2-0 deficit with AJ Valenzuela, a former standout at Pima CC and Desert View High School, scoring on a bicycle kick in stoppage time to even the match in Whittier, California. After a scoreless extra time, the club converted three of their four penalties while top-seeded FC Golden State Force managed just one. Returning the next day, the Men in Black put on a gutty performance before falling 2-0 to Calgary Foothills FC in the Western Conference final.

FC Tucson’s first professional playoff game is Saturday at Kino North Stadium. The club will host the Richmond Kickers and the game will kickoff at 7 p.m. (BUY TICKETS). 

FC TUCSON POSTSEASON

Playoff Record: 6-6

FC TUCSON POSTSEASON

Playoff Record: 6-6

Coming on the heels of a 4-2 win over the Richmond Kickers Saturday, FC Tucson had four players named to USL League One Team of the Week presented by Cleer Audio for Week 30. 

The win saw the club jump into fourth place in league standings to close out the 2021 regular season and secure a playoff berth. 

Shak Adams, Luca Mastrantonio, and Maxi Schenfeld each grabbed a goal securing the win. 

João Delgado provided two assists and four key passes throughout the night. 

After conceding in the 22nd minute, FC Tucson responded by grabbing the equalizer after trailing for only two minutes. 

Schenfeld’s sent the ball into the back of the net from the top of the box after receiving a quick pass from João Delgado. 

Schenfeld was solid defensively throughout the game, winning 7 out of 10 duels and making five recoveries. 

Forward Deri Corfe was able to push Tucson ahead before the end of the first half by slotting home a shot from outside the box.

Richmond Kickers forward Emiliano Terzaghi converted a penalty early in the second half, bringing the two teams level again. 

Six minutes later, Tucson pushed forward once again when Luca Mastrantonio headed in a cross from Charlie Dennis. 

Mastrantonio continued his hot run of form defensively by completing 43 of 52 passes overall, 3 of 4 aerial duels, 7 of 11 duels and two interceptions.

Delgado registered his second assist of the night as Adams grabbed Tucson’s fourth goal of the night. 

Delgado also had four key passes, completed 28 of 34 passes, and notched six recoveries defensively. 

Along with scoring the final goal, Adams also completed two key passes and 13 of 16 passes overall. 

FC Tucson welcomes Richmond to the desert once again on Saturday as the two teams will face off in the first round of the USL League One Playoffs presented by TwinSpires. (BUY TICKETS).

 

On the day before Halloween, it seemed almost fitting that FC Tucson exorcised some demons in its 4-2 win over the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night.

FC Tucson scored two goals in the second half and staved off a Richmond rally at Kino North Stadium to reach the playoffs for the first time in its USL League One history.

The victory came at the expense of a Richmond team that the club had never beaten before in six matches and against the man who guided Tucson in its first USL League One season (2019): Darren Sawatzky.

With the win, FC Tucson (11-10-7, 40 points) jumped from seventh to fourth and will host Richmond again on Saturday, November 6, in a first-round of the USL League One Playoffs, Presented by TwinSpires at Kino North Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

On the day before Halloween, it seemed almost fitting that FC Tucson exorcised some demons in its 4-2 win over the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night.

FC Tucson scored two goals in the second half and staved off a Richmond rally at Kino North Stadium to reach the playoffs for the first time in its USL League One history.

The victory came at the expense of a Richmond team that the club had never beaten before in six matches and against the man who guided Tucson in its first USL League One season (2019): Darren Sawatzky.

With the win, FC Tucson (11-10-7, 40 points) jumped from seventh to fourth and will host Richmond again on Saturday, November 6, in a first-round of the USL League One Playoffs, Presented by TwinSpires at Kino North Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The match didn’t start brightly for FC Tucson after Jonathan Bolanos converted a tap-in to give Richmond a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

But the club answered back quickly when a long shot by Maxi Schenfeld ripped along the grass and found the corner at the far post just two minutes later.

The match didn’t start brightly for FC Tucson after Jonathan Bolanos converted a tap-in to give Richmond a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

But the club answered back quickly when a long shot by Maxi Schenfeld ripped along the grass and found the corner at the far post just two minutes later.

Deri Corfe’s shot in the 42nd minute found about the same spot as Schenfeld’s to give FC Tucson a 2-1 lead going into the break.

Richmond didn’t let it last long when the teams came back out, scoring in the 49th minute when a defensive mistake resulted in a penalty kick, which Emiliano Terzaghi  converted to tie the score again.

Deri Corfe’s shot in the 42nd minute found about the same spot as Schenfeld’s to give FC Tucson a 2-1 lead going into the break.

Richmond didn’t let it last long when the teams came back out, scoring in the 49th minute when a defensive mistake resulted in a penalty kick, which Emiliano Terzaghi  converted to tie the score again.

Two minutes later, Luca Mastrantonio gained some revenge when he rose high and headed in a Charlie Dennis corner to make it 3-2. 

“Coming off the mistake, Joao Delgado told me ‘you’re scoring, you’re scoring.’ I was just happy to have been there,” Mastrantonio said.

“We should have already been in the playoffs,” he said. “But we came up when we had to come up. We wanted to win in front of our crowd.”

Two minutes later, Luca Mastrantonio gained some revenge when he rose high and headed in a Charlie Dennis corner to make it 3-2. 

“Coming off the mistake, Joao Delgado told me ‘you’re scoring, you’re scoring.’ I was just happy to have been there,” Mastrantonio said.

“We should have already been in the playoffs,” he said. “But we came up when we had to come up. We wanted to win in front of our crowd.”

Shak Adams added an insurance goal in the 58th on a sizzling shot from an acute angle.

“I thought I gotta take it on myself,” Adams said. “I was just fortunate to be a part of FC Tucson history.”

Shak Adams added an insurance goal in the 58th on a sizzling shot from an acute angle.

“I thought I gotta take it on myself,” Adams said. “I was just fortunate to be a part of FC Tucson history.”

For FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman, it was an amazing regular-season run after taking over the team earlier in the season.

“I believed this was a playoff-level team,” Pearlman said. “I look forward to the opportunity next week. It’s indescribable when I consider how far we have gone the the last few years.”

For FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman, it was an amazing regular-season run after taking over the team earlier in the season.

“I believed this was a playoff-level team,” Pearlman said. “I look forward to the opportunity next week. It’s indescribable when I consider how far we have gone the the last few years.”