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A pair of goals capped an amazing performance by midfielder Kevin Rodriguez and Charlie Dennis’ wonder goal free kick late propelled FC Tucson to a vital 3-1 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC Saturday that kept the team in control of its USL League One playoff destiny.

Playing in the home confines of Kino North Stadium, FC Tucson quickly took control of the match. It paid off when Rodriguez was in the right place after a long shot by Noah Franke bounced off the keeper. Coming in from the left side, Rodriguez put the ball in the lower left corner to make it 1-0 in the 17th minute. 

A pair of goals capped an amazing performance by midfielder Kevin Rodriguez and Charlie Dennis’ wonder goal free kick late propelled FC Tucson to a vital 3-1 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC Saturday that kept the team in control of its USL League One playoff destiny.

Playing in the home confines of Kino North Stadium, FC Tucson quickly took control of the match. It paid off when Rodriguez was in the right place after a long shot by Noah Franke bounced off the keeper. Coming in from the left side, Rodriguez put the ball in the lower left corner to make it 1-0 in the 17th minute. 

“Luckily, I was there for the tap in,” said Rodriguez, who scored his first two goals in an FC Tucson uniform before a crowd of 1,018. “I’m glad I got to get some minutes in, but most importantly we got the win.”

Against the run of play, South Georgia evened the match in the 29th minute when Stefan Mueller slotted home a shot after former FC Tucson forward Azaad Liadi’s initial shot was stopped by goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley.

FC Tucson continued to have the lion’s share of possession in the second half. It was again rewarded in the 67th as a long run and cross by Shak Adams put the ball back at the feet of Rodriguez. After the ball was bandied about for a few seconds, he slotted it into the left bottom corner. 

“Luckily, I was there for the tap in,” said Rodriguez, who scored his first two goals in an FC Tucson uniform before a crowd of 1,018. “I’m glad I got to get some minutes in, but most importantly we got the win.”

Against the run of play, South Georgia evened the match in the 29th minute when Stefan Mueller slotted home a shot after former FC Tucson forward Azaad Liadi’s initial shot was stopped by goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley.

FC Tucson continued to have the lion’s share of possession in the second half. It was again rewarded in the 67th as a long run and cross by Shak Adams put the ball back at the feet of Rodriguez. After the ball was bandied about for a few seconds, he slotted it into the left bottom corner. 

Taking a free kick from an acute angle on the right side, Dennis lofted a perfect shot into the top left corner to make it 3-1 in the 83rd minute.

“I’m pleased with how the players responded to a pressure situation,” FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman said. “We came out aggressive and scored that first goal. In the second half, we really put the foot on it.

“We really dominated in central midfield.”

Taking a free kick from an acute angle on the right side, Dennis lofted a perfect shot into the top left corner to make it 3-1 in the 83rd minute.

“I’m pleased with how the players responded to a pressure situation,” FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman said. “We came out aggressive and scored that first goal. In the second half, we really put the foot on it.

“We really dominated in central midfield.”

FC Tucson (10-10-6, 36 points) will play its penultimate match of the regular season when it travels to Wisconsin to play Forward Madison FC for a 5 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Tormenta (8-13-6) dropped to ninth place and was eliminated from playoff contention.

If FC Tucson beats Forward Madison and then Richmond in the home finale on Saturday, Oct. 30, the team will clinch a ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

FC Tucson (10-10-6, 36 points) will play its penultimate match of the regular season when it travels to Wisconsin to play Forward Madison FC for a 5 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Tormenta (8-13-6) dropped to ninth place and was eliminated from playoff contention.

If FC Tucson beats Forward Madison and then Richmond in the home finale on Saturday, Oct. 30, the team will clinch a ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

After two straight home losses, FC Tucson looks to regain form against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday (7 p.m., Kino North Stadium, ESPN+). 

FC Tucson (9-10-6, 33 points) still sit in sixth in USL League One with three matches remaining in the regular season. The top six spots qualify for the playoffs, and there is only five points between sixth and eleventh place. 

If FC Tucson wins out, it will clinch a playoff spot.

The last match between FC Tucson and South Georgia, back in early May, South Georgia scored two goals without reply within the first 30 minutes.

Tucson was able to pull one back at the end of the first half, but could not break through once again.

Tormenta sealed its 3-1 win late in the second half with Marco Micaletto blasting one in from outside the box. 

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs. South Georgia Tormenta 

After two straight home losses, FC Tucson looks to regain form against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday (7 p.m., Kino North Stadium, ESPN+). 

FC Tucson (9-10-6, 33 points) still sit in sixth in USL League One with three matches remaining in the regular season. The top six spots qualify for the playoffs, and there is only five points between sixth and eleventh place. 

If FC Tucson wins out, it will clinch a playoff spot.

The last match between FC Tucson and South Georgia, back in early May, South Georgia scored two goals without reply within the first 30 minutes.

Tucson was able to pull one back at the end of the first half, but could not break through once again.

Tormenta sealed its 3-1 win late in the second half with Marco Micaletto blasting one in from outside the box. 

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs. South Georgia Tormenta 

South Georgia Tormenta is ninth in the league with 30 points, just three behind FC Tucson. 

South Georgia are in its second away game in as many weeks after traveling to Miami on Sunday, Oct. 10. The game against Fort Lauderdale CF saw the most goals scored in a USL League One match with the game ending 4-4. 

FC Tucson and South Georgia are tied in the league with 35 goals scored this season. South Georgia has a minus eight goal differential with 43 goals let up this season. 

After hosting South Georgia, Tucson travels to Wisconsin to face Forward Madison FC on Saturday, Oct. 23. This is the club's final away game this season and it will be hosting at watch party at American Eat Co. starting at 4:30 p.m.

South Georgia Tormenta is ninth in the league with 30 points, just three behind FC Tucson. 

South Georgia are in its second away game in as many weeks after traveling to Miami on Sunday, Oct. 10. The game against Fort Lauderdale CF saw the most goals scored in a USL League One match with the game ending 4-4. 

FC Tucson and South Georgia are tied in the league with 35 goals scored this season. South Georgia has a minus eight goal differential with 43 goals let up this season. 

After hosting South Georgia, Tucson travels to Wisconsin to face Forward Madison FC on Saturday, Oct. 23. This is the club’s final away game this season and it will be hosting at watch party at American Eat Co. starting at 4:30 p.m.

FC Tucson’s road to a favorable result and a step closer to securing a playoff spot Wednesday with a 2-0 loss to North Carolina FC.

The club's night ran into a considerable obstacle with a red card in the first 30 minutes. Then it  crumbled apart when North Carolina FC scored back-to-back goals around the hour mark, before coming to a complete stop with countless gilded chances being denied in the final 15 minutes.

RELATED: Match Center

Before a season-high 1,417 at Kino North Stadium, FC Tucson opened the night with numerous chances, including a barrage of three shots in the span of seconds that were turned away by North Carolina’s defense and goalkeeper Jake McGuire.

But the flow changed when FC Tucson defender Dakota Barnathan received a red card after a tackle on Peter Pearson. 

Despite being a man down, FC Tucson reached halftime with the match still scoreless. But a goal in the 58th minute by Pearson and a penalty converted by Selmir Miscic in the 61st minute quickly changed the direction of the game.

Tucson made three changes, including a debut appearance by Alioune Diakhate, and had countless chances to get back a goal or two. But the club just couldn’t find the target or get the ball through a forest of bodies in the box. 

“It’s disappointing, but we still control our destiny,” FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman said. “The good news is there’s not much time to dwell on it because we are back on Saturday. The match was there to be won.”

FC Tucson (9-10-6, 33 points, sixth place) will make a quick turnaround and face South Georgia Tormenta at Kino North on Saturday at 7 p.m. (Buy Tickets).

North Carolina FC is 6-15-4.

FC Tucson’s road to a favorable result and a step closer to securing a playoff spot Wednesday with a 2-0 loss to North Carolina FC.

The club’s night ran into a considerable obstacle with a red card in the first 30 minutes. Then it  crumbled apart when North Carolina FC scored back-to-back goals around the hour mark, before coming to a complete stop with countless gilded chances being denied in the final 15 minutes.

RELATED: Match Center

Before a season-high 1,417 at Kino North Stadium, FC Tucson opened the night with numerous chances, including a barrage of three shots in the span of seconds that were turned away by North Carolina’s defense and goalkeeper Jake McGuire.

But the flow changed when FC Tucson defender Dakota Barnathan received a red card after a tackle on Peter Pearson. 

Despite being a man down, FC Tucson reached halftime with the match still scoreless. But a goal in the 58th minute by Pearson and a penalty converted by Selmir Miscic in the 61st minute quickly changed the direction of the game.

Tucson made three changes, including a debut appearance by Alioune Diakhate, and had countless chances to get back a goal or two. But the club just couldn’t find the target or get the ball through a forest of bodies in the box. 

“It’s disappointing, but we still control our destiny,” FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman said. “The good news is there’s not much time to dwell on it because we are back on Saturday. The match was there to be won.”

FC Tucson (9-10-6, 33 points, sixth place) will make a quick turnaround and face South Georgia Tormenta at Kino North on Saturday at 7 p.m. (Buy Tickets).

North Carolina FC is 6-15-4.

USL League One announced on Wednesday that FC Tucson Head Coach, Jon Pearlman, has been named Cleer Audio League One Coach of the Month for September. The announcement comes days after FC Tucson announced Pearlman as the club's permanent head coach for the remainder of the 2021 season and 2022. 

"Being September Coach of the Month for USL League One is a tremendous honor," said Pearlman. "It represents that FC Tucson was team of the month for September and the players themselves really made this happen." 

USL League One announced on Wednesday that FC Tucson Head Coach, Jon Pearlman, has been named Cleer Audio League One Coach of the Month for September. The announcement comes days after FC Tucson announced Pearlman as the club’s permanent head coach for the remainder of the 2021 season and 2022. 

“Being September Coach of the Month for USL League One is a tremendous honor,” said Pearlman. “It represents that FC Tucson was team of the month for September and the players themselves really made this happen.” 

The club went 3-0-2 throughout the month, moving above the playoff cutline into sixth from eleventh, and solidifying itself as a playoff contender. 

"For us to play that we did in September and go on that seven game unbeaten run was remarkable.," Pearlman said. "In terms of where we were coming into that with a four game losing streak and with all the competitiveness that is in the league." 

FC Tucson will host North Carolina FC on Wednesday, Oct. 13, with Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by the City of Tucson, and South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16. 

The club went 3-0-2 throughout the month, moving above the playoff cutline into sixth from eleventh, and solidifying itself as a playoff contender. 

“For us to play that we did in September and go on that seven game unbeaten run was remarkable.,” Pearlman said. “In terms of where we were coming into that with a four game losing streak and with all the competitiveness that is in the league.” 

FC Tucson will host North Carolina FC on Wednesday, Oct. 13, with Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by the City of Tucson, and South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16. 

FC Tucson’s Cox Community Corner Initiative was developed with one goal in mind:

Share the game of soccer with youth in the community who may not otherwise have an opportunity to come see an FC Tucson professional soccer match.

Developed by FC Tucson President Amanda Powers, the initiative has served to motivate and inspire Tucson’s youth all season with their own VIP experience.

“I cannot express how much I appreciated what you facilitated for our students from Envision and Toltecalli High Schools,” said Kimberly Babeau from CPLC Community schools. “To listen to their conversations on the way home trying to figure out how they were going to make it to Wednesday’s game warmed my heart.”

CPLC Schools, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Arizona, Vision Quest, Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, Catalina High School Soccer Team, Davis Monthan Youth Programs, JTED, and Desert View High School have been all taken part in the program this season. 

“Our focus with this project was to honor and recognize their struggles by giving first,” Powers said. “Sponsored through the generous support of Cox Communications, AZ Fit Kitchen, and Top Shelf Transport, Community Corner let us give the gift of the game to our city’s youth.”

FC Tucson’s Cox Community Corner Initiative was developed with one goal in mind:

Share the game of soccer with youth in the community who may not otherwise have an opportunity to come see an FC Tucson professional soccer match.

Developed by FC Tucson President Amanda Powers, the initiative has served to motivate and inspire Tucson’s youth all season with their own VIP experience.

“I cannot express how much I appreciated what you facilitated for our students from Envision and Toltecalli High Schools,” said Kimberly Babeau from CPLC Community schools. “To listen to their conversations on the way home trying to figure out how they were going to make it to Wednesday’s game warmed my heart.”

CPLC Schools, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Arizona, Vision Quest, Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, Catalina High School Soccer Team, Davis Monthan Youth Programs, JTED, and Desert View High School have been all taken part in the program this season. 

“Our focus with this project was to honor and recognize their struggles by giving first,” Powers said. “Sponsored through the generous support of Cox Communications, AZ Fit Kitchen, and Top Shelf Transport, Community Corner let us give the gift of the game to our city’s youth.”

The full VIP Treatment includes transportation to and from the match by Top Shelf Transport, seating with a great view of the pitch, a complementary nutritious meal from AZ Fit Kitchen, a community “shout out” during the game that celebrated their attendance, and finally, some FC Tucson merchandise to remember their experience.

“The club is soccer for all Tucsonans, and using the beautiful game as a vehicle to lift our community is always on the forefront of what FC Tucson do,” Powers said.

This experience helped to instill some appreciation of the virtues of kindness, generosity, innovation and community, and a love of the beautiful game. 

The full VIP Treatment includes transportation to and from the match by Top Shelf Transport, seating with a great view of the pitch, a complementary nutritious meal from AZ Fit Kitchen, a community “shout out” during the game that celebrated their attendance, and finally, some FC Tucson merchandise to remember their experience.

“The club is soccer for all Tucsonans, and using the beautiful game as a vehicle to lift our community is always on the forefront of what FC Tucson do,” Powers said.

This experience helped to instill some appreciation of the virtues of kindness, generosity, innovation and community, and a love of the beautiful game. 

FC Tucson welcomes North Carolina FC to the desert when the two teams face off for only the second time on Wednesday. Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by City of Tucson (7 p.m., Kino North Stadium, ESPN+) will represent an opportunity for FC Tucson to further solidify its playoff position.

FC Tucson (9-9-6, 33 points) is sixth in USL League One with four matches remaining in the regular season. The top six spots qualify for the playoffs.

The last match between the two, back in late May, saw Tucson come away with all three points after a tight 2-1 win. 

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs. North Carolina FC

FC Tucson welcomes North Carolina FC to the desert when the two teams face off for only the second time on Wednesday. Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by City of Tucson (7 p.m., Kino North Stadium, ESPN+) will represent an opportunity for FC Tucson to further solidify its playoff position.

FC Tucson (9-9-6, 33 points) is sixth in USL League One with four matches remaining in the regular season. The top six spots qualify for the playoffs.

The last match between the two, back in late May, saw Tucson come away with all three points after a tight 2-1 win. 

MATCH CENTER: FC Tucson vs. North Carolina FC

North Carolina is 12th in the league with just 19 points.

FC Tucson is coming off of a bye week after its seven-match unbeaten streak came to a end with a 2-0 loss at home to North Texas SC on Saturday, Oct. 2.

North Carolina, on the other hand, hosted Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday, Oct. 9. The back and forth game saw North Carolina take the lead twice, only to be shut down by the Red Wolves early into the second half for a 3-2 defeat. 

FC Tucson is tied for third in the league with 35 goals scored this season, and has a 16% conversion rate, the second highest in the league. North Carolina has a 14% conversion rate with only 26 goals scored. 

After hosting North Carolina, Tucson is home again against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16.

North Carolina is 12th in the league with just 19 points.

FC Tucson is coming off of a bye week after its seven-match unbeaten streak came to a end with a 2-0 loss at home to North Texas SC on Saturday, Oct. 2.

North Carolina, on the other hand, hosted Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday, Oct. 9. The back and forth game saw North Carolina take the lead twice, only to be shut down by the Red Wolves early into the second half for a 3-2 defeat. 

FC Tucson is tied for third in the league with 35 goals scored this season, and has a 16% conversion rate, the second highest in the league. North Carolina has a 14% conversion rate with only 26 goals scored. 

After hosting North Carolina, Tucson is home again against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16.

FC Tucson has found its long-term solution on the coaching bench right at home. 

FC Tucson announced Thursday that Jon Pearlman, who has coached the team on an interim basis since taking over mid-season, will be the Head Coach for the remainder of the 2021 season and for 2022. Pearlman was one of the club's co-founders in 2011 and has been a key figure in the Tucson soccer community for more than two decades. 

"Jon has been integral in the development and success of FC Tucson," said Amanda Powers, president of FC Tucson. "His ability to transition this season from the front office to the field and guide our team back into championship contention is a testament to his coaching acumen, and his skill in connecting with players and helping them realize their potential. 

"We look forward to finishing this season on a high note and having Jon guide this club into the 2022 USL League One season."

After Pearlman stepped into the interim head coach road in July, Powers engaged in discussions with USL Sporting Director Mark Cartwright, team owner Brett Johnson and a number of very strong coaching candidates. 

The ability to come to a club that was clearly on an upward trajectory, both on and off the field, made the position very attractive. 

In the end, though, what Pearlman brought to the table was unmatched. 

He is 7-5-3 this season since taking over in July, leading the team from 11th in USL League One into a potential playoff spot. 

FC Tucson has found its long-term solution on the coaching bench right at home. 

FC Tucson announced Thursday that Jon Pearlman, who has coached the team on an interim basis since taking over mid-season, will be the Head Coach for the remainder of the 2021 season and for 2022. Pearlman was one of the club’s co-founders in 2011 and has been a key figure in the Tucson soccer community for more than two decades. 

“Jon has been integral in the development and success of FC Tucson,” said Amanda Powers, president of FC Tucson. “His ability to transition this season from the front office to the field and guide our team back into championship contention is a testament to his coaching acumen, and his skill in connecting with players and helping them realize their potential. 

“We look forward to finishing this season on a high note and having Jon guide this club into the 2022 USL League One season.”

After Pearlman stepped into the interim head coach road in July, Powers engaged in discussions with USL Sporting Director Mark Cartwright, team owner Brett Johnson and a number of very strong coaching candidates. 

The ability to come to a club that was clearly on an upward trajectory, both on and off the field, made the position very attractive. 

In the end, though, what Pearlman brought to the table was unmatched. 

He is 7-5-3 this season since taking over in July, leading the team from 11th in USL League One into a potential playoff spot. 

Pearlman, who has his USSF "A" License and will continue to serve as the team's Technical Director, has more than 25 years of coaching experience. That includes 23 in Tucson, and his appointment for 2022 reaffirms the club's commitment to the community. 

"I can't express enough what an honor it is and how much it means to me personally, as well as to the people who have worked with me in my career and to my family, to have this opportunity," said Pearlman. "After returning to the field and coaching, I believe the greatest contribution I can make to FC Tucson moving forward is developing our technical side and building on the recent success we have had with our first team." 

"Having the opportunity to push for the playoffs and the USL League One Cup this year, and moving forward for this city, is something I am completely committed to." 

Pearlman was previously head coach of FC Tucson in 2017, going 9-2-3. He also coached OKC Energy U23 in 2018, and returned to FC Tucson in 2019 as Director of Soccer Operations. 

FC Tucson will host North Carolina FC on Wednesday, Oct. 13, with Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by the City of Tucson, and South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16. 

Pearlman, who has his USSF “A” License and will continue to serve as the team’s Technical Director, has more than 25 years of coaching experience. That includes 23 in Tucson, and his appointment for 2022 reaffirms the club’s commitment to the community. 

“I can’t express enough what an honor it is and how much it means to me personally, as well as to the people who have worked with me in my career and to my family, to have this opportunity,” said Pearlman. “After returning to the field and coaching, I believe the greatest contribution I can make to FC Tucson moving forward is developing our technical side and building on the recent success we have had with our first team.” 

“Having the opportunity to push for the playoffs and the USL League One Cup this year, and moving forward for this city, is something I am completely committed to.” 

Pearlman was previously head coach of FC Tucson in 2017, going 9-2-3. He also coached OKC Energy U23 in 2018, and returned to FC Tucson in 2019 as Director of Soccer Operations. 

FC Tucson will host North Carolina FC on Wednesday, Oct. 13, with Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by the City of Tucson, and South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16.