League News

Despite overcoming an early two-goal deficit, FC Tucson couldn’t hold off Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday night in a 4-2 loss at the Peter Johann Soccer Field in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Las Vegas, which was making its debut in the competition in its inaugural season an expansion club in the USL, got on the board early with a pair of goals from Carlos Alvarez and Marcelo Altatorre in the opening ten minutes.

But FC Tucson, which defeated La Maquina FC at home 2-1 in the opening round of the Cup last week, came storming back. In the 39th minute, an attack down the left flank led to a low cross from defender Amr Mokhtar that found forward Jason Romero. Romero needed just one touch to finish, slotting a shot from the edge of the six-yard box past Las Vegas goalkeeper Ricardo Ferrino to get the club on the board.

Tucson midfielder Julian Gaona came within inches of tying the game before halftime. In first half stoppage time, Gaona hit a one-touch half-volley from near the penalty spot that had Ferrino beat but smacked off the crossbar and harmlessly away from goal.

It didn’t take long for Tucson to get on level terms after the intermission though. In the 48th minute, a sequence of build-up passes led to a curling cross from Romero from just outside the box. Midfielder Adrian Valenzuela came charging into the penalty area unmarked and buried a right-footed equalizer into the upper right corner of the goal.

The tie was short-lived. In the 56th minute, Las Vegas forward Samuel Ochoa got his head on the end of a cross in the Tucson box, directing the ball past goalkeeper Andrue Cases to put Lights FC back in front.

Romero nearly knotted things up in the 61st minute, receiving a perfect through-ball from Valenzuela to get behind the Lights FC defense. But Ferrino, the goalkeeper, came charging out his net to cut down Romero’s shooting angle and make a diving save. Six minutes later, Ochoa scored again to reestablish Las Vegas’ two-goal lead in the 66th minute.

It’s the third straight year that FC Tucson's U.S. Open Cup run ends in the second round of competition. The club will return to league action in the PDL when it visits Ogden City SC for a pair of games on May 25 and 26. FC Tucson will next play at home on June 1, again facing Ogden City. That match will kick off at 7:30 pm.

Despite overcoming an early two-goal deficit, FC Tucson couldn’t hold off Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday night in a 4-2 loss at the Peter Johann Soccer Field in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Las Vegas, which was making its debut in the competition in its inaugural season an expansion club in the USL, got on the board early with a pair of goals from Carlos Alvarez and Marcelo Altatorre in the opening ten minutes.

But FC Tucson, which defeated La Maquina FC at home 2-1 in the opening round of the Cup last week, came storming back. In the 39th minute, an attack down the left flank led to a low cross from defender Amr Mokhtar that found forward Jason Romero. Romero needed just one touch to finish, slotting a shot from the edge of the six-yard box past Las Vegas goalkeeper Ricardo Ferrino to get the club on the board.

Tucson midfielder Julian Gaona came within inches of tying the game before halftime. In first half stoppage time, Gaona hit a one-touch half-volley from near the penalty spot that had Ferrino beat but smacked off the crossbar and harmlessly away from goal.

It didn’t take long for Tucson to get on level terms after the intermission though. In the 48th minute, a sequence of build-up passes led to a curling cross from Romero from just outside the box. Midfielder Adrian Valenzuela came charging into the penalty area unmarked and buried a right-footed equalizer into the upper right corner of the goal.

The tie was short-lived. In the 56th minute, Las Vegas forward Samuel Ochoa got his head on the end of a cross in the Tucson box, directing the ball past goalkeeper Andrue Cases to put Lights FC back in front.

Romero nearly knotted things up in the 61st minute, receiving a perfect through-ball from Valenzuela to get behind the Lights FC defense. But Ferrino, the goalkeeper, came charging out his net to cut down Romero’s shooting angle and make a diving save. Six minutes later, Ochoa scored again to reestablish Las Vegas’ two-goal lead in the 66th minute.

It’s the third straight year that FC Tucson’s U.S. Open Cup run ends in the second round of competition. The club will return to league action in the PDL when it visits Ogden City SC for a pair of games on May 25 and 26. FC Tucson will next play at home on June 1, again facing Ogden City. That match will kick off at 7:30 pm.

TUCSON (May 16, 2018) — FC Tucson's AJ Valenzuela was named to the USL PDL Team of the Week for Weeks 1 and 2 of the 2018 PDL season. Valenzuela assisted teammate Damien German twice in the club's season opening 2-1 win over Albuquerque Sol FC.

Here's a look at the full PDL National Team of the Week in Weeks 1 & 2.

TUCSON (May 16, 2018) — FC Tucson’s AJ Valenzuela was named to the USL PDL Team of the Week for Weeks 1 and 2 of the 2018 PDL season. Valenzuela assisted teammate Damien German twice in the club’s season opening 2-1 win over Albuquerque Sol FC.

Here’s a look at the full PDL National Team of the Week in Weeks 1 & 2.

GK – Marco Carducci, Calgary Foothills FC: Carducci was brilliant in goal for Foothills FC in two shutout wins to open the club's 2018 campaign, including earning a Save of the Week nomination.
D – Caue Carvalho, Lakeland Tropics: The Tropics were the only team to earn a win in the Southern Conference so far in Week 1 & 2, and Carvalho was a vital part of their shutout 1-0 win against Next Academy Palm Beach.
D – Raphael Santana, FC Golden State Force: While Fonseca was scoring up front, Santana marshaled a defense for the Force that has allowed zero goals through three matches, making the club an early favorite for late-season success.
D – Randy Mendoza, SIMA Aguilas: Though SIMA Aguilas were unable to break through offensively in a scoreless draw against Weston FC, Mendoza's defense helped keep things clean on the other end while also putting forth two shots on the attacking end.
M – Adrian Valenzuela, FC Tucson: While Damian German slotted home the two goals for Tucson's victory over rival Albuquerque Sol FC, Valenzuela's creative efforts in the midfield earned him two assists to help guide his team to three points.
M – Aaron Molloy, Reading United AC: The Penn State midfielder's control in the center of the field was crucial in Reading's 2-0 win over Lehigh Valley United to begin the season, while also picking up his first goal of the season as insurance in the second half.
M – Nenad Markovic, Corpus Christi FC: In addition to picking up the first goal in Corpus Christi FC history, Markovic's effort helped secure the team's first win against Houston FC, a moment neither he nor the team will ever forget.
M – Dario Jovanovski, FC Boston: In the team's big win over Northeast Division powerhouse GPS Portland Phoenix, Jovanovski scored each of FC Boston's two goals in an incredible come-from-behind effort.
F – Mustapha Wadda, Tobacco Road FC: In Wadda's first PDL match, the incoming UNC transfer showed his stuff for Tobacco Road FC, recording both of the team's goals in a shutout win over the Carolina Dynamo.
F – DeJuan Jones, Lansing United: While Lansing United was only able to manage a 2-2 draw against the Michigan Bucks, Jones' was able to grab two goals in the club's first PDL match, including a Goal of the Week nominee to open the scoring.
F – Pedro Fonseca, FC Golden State Force: Nobody across the league has as good a weekend as Fonseca for the Force. His league-leading four goals – along with one assist – guided the club to three straight shutout wins to open the 2018 season and nabbed Fonseca Player of the Week honors.

Honorable Mentions: F – Killian Colombie, AHFC Royals; M – Deri Corfe, Ocean City Nor'easters; F – David Goldsmith, Michigan Bucks; F – Afonso Pinheiro, Michigan Bucks; GK – Henry Mashburn, Weston FC; GK – Ryan Cretens, Tobacco Road FC; D – Luis Hernandez, Fresno FC U23; M – Oliver Brock, Mississippi Brilla FC; F – Jared Greene, Memphis City FC; D – Patrick Seagrist, Charlotte Eagles; F – Abdulhakim Byabusha, Westchester Flames

2018 FC Tucson Player Honors
Week 1-2: AJ Valenzuela-Team of the Week

GK – Marco Carducci, Calgary Foothills FC: Carducci was brilliant in goal for Foothills FC in two shutout wins to open the club’s 2018 campaign, including earning a Save of the Week nomination.
D – Caue Carvalho, Lakeland Tropics: The Tropics were the only team to earn a win in the Southern Conference so far in Week 1 & 2, and Carvalho was a vital part of their shutout 1-0 win against Next Academy Palm Beach.
D – Raphael Santana, FC Golden State Force: While Fonseca was scoring up front, Santana marshaled a defense for the Force that has allowed zero goals through three matches, making the club an early favorite for late-season success.
D – Randy Mendoza, SIMA Aguilas: Though SIMA Aguilas were unable to break through offensively in a scoreless draw against Weston FC, Mendoza’s defense helped keep things clean on the other end while also putting forth two shots on the attacking end.
M – Adrian Valenzuela, FC Tucson: While Damian German slotted home the two goals for Tucson’s victory over rival Albuquerque Sol FC, Valenzuela’s creative efforts in the midfield earned him two assists to help guide his team to three points.
M – Aaron Molloy, Reading United AC: The Penn State midfielder’s control in the center of the field was crucial in Reading’s 2-0 win over Lehigh Valley United to begin the season, while also picking up his first goal of the season as insurance in the second half.
M – Nenad Markovic, Corpus Christi FC: In addition to picking up the first goal in Corpus Christi FC history, Markovic’s effort helped secure the team’s first win against Houston FC, a moment neither he nor the team will ever forget.
M – Dario Jovanovski, FC Boston: In the team’s big win over Northeast Division powerhouse GPS Portland Phoenix, Jovanovski scored each of FC Boston’s two goals in an incredible come-from-behind effort.
F – Mustapha Wadda, Tobacco Road FC: In Wadda’s first PDL match, the incoming UNC transfer showed his stuff for Tobacco Road FC, recording both of the team’s goals in a shutout win over the Carolina Dynamo.
F – DeJuan Jones, Lansing United: While Lansing United was only able to manage a 2-2 draw against the Michigan Bucks, Jones’ was able to grab two goals in the club’s first PDL match, including a Goal of the Week nominee to open the scoring.
F – Pedro Fonseca, FC Golden State Force: Nobody across the league has as good a weekend as Fonseca for the Force. His league-leading four goals – along with one assist – guided the club to three straight shutout wins to open the 2018 season and nabbed Fonseca Player of the Week honors.

Honorable Mentions: F – Killian Colombie, AHFC Royals; M – Deri Corfe, Ocean City Nor’easters; F – David Goldsmith, Michigan Bucks; F – Afonso Pinheiro, Michigan Bucks; GK – Henry Mashburn, Weston FC; GK – Ryan Cretens, Tobacco Road FC; D – Luis Hernandez, Fresno FC U23; M – Oliver Brock, Mississippi Brilla FC; F – Jared Greene, Memphis City FC; D – Patrick Seagrist, Charlotte Eagles; F – Abdulhakim Byabusha, Westchester Flames

2018 FC Tucson Player Honors
Week 1-2: AJ Valenzuela-Team of the Week

TUCSON (May 9, 2018) – FC Tucson is headed to the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over La Maquina FC at Kino North Stadium on Wednesday night. It's the club's third consecutive first-round win in the U.S. Open Cup.

“It’s a great start,” head coach Dave Cosgrove said after the win. “A lot of character shown by the players and I think now we gain some momentum and start to believe in ourselves. I think our top end is very good and we will just keep building.”

In its first competitive match of the 2018 season, midfielder Alejandro Gonzalez delivered the game-winning goal in the 55th minute. After Tucson goalkeeper Andreu Cases made back-to-back saves in his own end, Tucson broke on a counter attack. Midfielder Julian Gaona picked up possession on the right flank and picked out Gonzalez in the box, delivering a perfect cross that Gonzalez nodded into the net.

“We had talked about getting the ball wide at halftime and stretching the game and making them run a lot,” Cosgrove said. “I thought Julian delivered a great ball and Alejandro, if you watch it, he made about a 30-yard run to get to the back post [and score].”

Tucson forward Jason Romero got the scoring started early on Wednesday, getting behind the La Maquina defense and slipping a shot through the legs of goalkeeper Luis Sosa in the second minute. 

“I knew it was early, I knew getting the lead felt great,” Romero said. “But I knew there was still a lot of work to do.”

FC Tucson had scored early goals in their three preseason friendlies leading into Wednesday’s match and Cosgrove was happy to see his club open the game on the front foot again.

“We thought there might be a chance to get after them in the first five or ten minutes,” Cosgrove said. “We got another early goal, which is terrific.”

Romero was around the ball all night for Tucson and nearly added an insurance goal late in the second half with a rocket shot that was saved by Sosa.

“We stayed in it and grinded 90 minutes and got the result,” Romero said.

La Maquina’s lone goal came in the 31st minute, when forward Alejandro Velazquez chipped a close-range shot over Cases, off the bottom of the crossbar and across the goal line. 

La Maquina ended the match a man down after Jorge Pineda was sent off in stoppage time after committing a dangerous tackle. 

With the win, FC Tucson will head to Las Vegas next Wednesday, May 16, to face USL expansion club Las Vegas Lights FC in the second round of the Open Cup. It is the third straight year – and fourth in club history – the team has advanced to the second round of the single-elimination tournament.

“That discipline and that focus is really going to be important for us to compete in that game [next week],” Cosgrove said.

The second round match in Las Vegas will take place at Peter Johann Soccer Field and kick off at 8 p.m.
 

TUCSON (May 9, 2018) – FC Tucson is headed to the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over La Maquina FC at Kino North Stadium on Wednesday night. It’s the club’s third consecutive first-round win in the U.S. Open Cup.

“It’s a great start,” head coach Dave Cosgrove said after the win. “A lot of character shown by the players and I think now we gain some momentum and start to believe in ourselves. I think our top end is very good and we will just keep building.”

In its first competitive match of the 2018 season, midfielder Alejandro Gonzalez delivered the game-winning goal in the 55th minute. After Tucson goalkeeper Andreu Cases made back-to-back saves in his own end, Tucson broke on a counter attack. Midfielder Julian Gaona picked up possession on the right flank and picked out Gonzalez in the box, delivering a perfect cross that Gonzalez nodded into the net.

“We had talked about getting the ball wide at halftime and stretching the game and making them run a lot,” Cosgrove said. “I thought Julian delivered a great ball and Alejandro, if you watch it, he made about a 30-yard run to get to the back post [and score].”

Tucson forward Jason Romero got the scoring started early on Wednesday, getting behind the La Maquina defense and slipping a shot through the legs of goalkeeper Luis Sosa in the second minute. 

“I knew it was early, I knew getting the lead felt great,” Romero said. “But I knew there was still a lot of work to do.”

FC Tucson had scored early goals in their three preseason friendlies leading into Wednesday’s match and Cosgrove was happy to see his club open the game on the front foot again.

“We thought there might be a chance to get after them in the first five or ten minutes,” Cosgrove said. “We got another early goal, which is terrific.”

Romero was around the ball all night for Tucson and nearly added an insurance goal late in the second half with a rocket shot that was saved by Sosa.

“We stayed in it and grinded 90 minutes and got the result,” Romero said.

La Maquina’s lone goal came in the 31st minute, when forward Alejandro Velazquez chipped a close-range shot over Cases, off the bottom of the crossbar and across the goal line. 

La Maquina ended the match a man down after Jorge Pineda was sent off in stoppage time after committing a dangerous tackle. 

With the win, FC Tucson will head to Las Vegas next Wednesday, May 16, to face USL expansion club Las Vegas Lights FC in the second round of the Open Cup. It is the third straight year – and fourth in club history – the team has advanced to the second round of the single-elimination tournament.

“That discipline and that focus is really going to be important for us to compete in that game [next week],” Cosgrove said.

The second round match in Las Vegas will take place at Peter Johann Soccer Field and kick off at 8 p.m.
 

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 27, 2018) — FC Tucson officially announced the addition of five more players to its 2018 Premier Development League (PDL) roster: Julian Gaona, Alejandro Gonzalez, Kevin Perez, Jason Romero, and A.J. Valenzuela. The five are former Pima Community College players who have previously played under FC Tucson head coach Dave Cosgrove.

“Tucson soccer fans have already had the opportunity to see these five play and I’m excited to keep them in our backyard,” Cosgrove said. “They’re already familiar with what it means to represent Tucson and will help to maintain the excellent culture that has already been established at FC Tucson.”

Gaona (forward) was a prolific scorer at Pima in his two seasons at the school (2016, 2017), scoring 31 goals and adding 12 assists in 45 appearances. In 2017, Gaona scored six match-winning goals.

Gonzalez (forward) appeared in 52 matches over two seasons at Pima (2015, 2016), and scored 24 goals while providing 13 assists.

Romero appeared in 22 matches (2015) and scored 29 goals in addition to his 12 assists on his way to being named theACCAC Division I Player of the Year. Romero currently plays at the University of Portland. 

Valenzuela (midfielder) has spent his last two seasons with Pima, appearing in 44 matches. In that time, the midfielder scored five goals and notched five assists. Valenzuela will be playing at San Diego State University in the fall.

Kevin Perez (defender) appeared in 39 matches in two seasons at Pima (2016, 2017) and scored three goals in addition to his four assists.

With the most recent addition to the rosters, FC Tucson now has six players officially signed for the 2018 season. FC Tucson will begin play with a friendly this Saturday against the University of Arizona Men's Soccer team. The match will be played at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium and is free and open to the public. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 27, 2018) — FC Tucson officially announced the addition of five more players to its 2018 Premier Development League (PDL) roster: Julian Gaona, Alejandro Gonzalez, Kevin Perez, Jason Romero, and A.J. Valenzuela. The five are former Pima Community College players who have previously played under FC Tucson head coach Dave Cosgrove.

“Tucson soccer fans have already had the opportunity to see these five play and I’m excited to keep them in our backyard,” Cosgrove said. “They’re already familiar with what it means to represent Tucson and will help to maintain the excellent culture that has already been established at FC Tucson.”

Gaona (forward) was a prolific scorer at Pima in his two seasons at the school (2016, 2017), scoring 31 goals and adding 12 assists in 45 appearances. In 2017, Gaona scored six match-winning goals.

Gonzalez (forward) appeared in 52 matches over two seasons at Pima (2015, 2016), and scored 24 goals while providing 13 assists.

Romero appeared in 22 matches (2015) and scored 29 goals in addition to his 12 assists on his way to being named theACCAC Division I Player of the Year. Romero currently plays at the University of Portland. 

Valenzuela (midfielder) has spent his last two seasons with Pima, appearing in 44 matches. In that time, the midfielder scored five goals and notched five assists. Valenzuela will be playing at San Diego State University in the fall.

Kevin Perez (defender) appeared in 39 matches in two seasons at Pima (2016, 2017) and scored three goals in addition to his four assists.

With the most recent addition to the rosters, FC Tucson now has six players officially signed for the 2018 season. FC Tucson will begin play with a friendly this Saturday against the University of Arizona Men’s Soccer team. The match will be played at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium and is free and open to the public. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 24, 2018) — FC Tucson officially announced its first signing of the 2018 season: former San Antonio FC midfielder and Tucson native Miguel Salazar. Over the past two years, Salazar has made 25 appearances with United Soccer League club San Antonio FC. He also has previous experience in the Premier Development League, spending a season with the Carolina Dynamo in 2014.

"We're excited to have a player of Miguel's caliber on the roster," said FC Tucson head coach Dave Cosgrove. "He's going to be a leader on the field, not just for his teammates, but also to the local youth soccer players in Tucson who hopefully follow in his footsteps. The community is really going to be proud of him."

Salazar played his college career at Elon University. In his four seasons with the Phoenix, Salazar made the All-Conference Freshman team and was a two-time first team All-Conference selection. He helped Elon win the Colonial Athletic Conference regular-season title his senior season.

Salazar grew up playing at the Real Salt Lake Academy in Casa Grande, AZ. He also participated in the 2016 Adidas MLS Combine ahead of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to his time at the RSL Academy, Salazar played with the Tucson Soccer Academy  (now FC Tucson Youth).

FC Tucson will begin play with a friendly this Saturday against the University of Arizona Men's Soccer team. The match will be played at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium and is free and open to the public. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 24, 2018) — FC Tucson officially announced its first signing of the 2018 season: former San Antonio FC midfielder and Tucson native Miguel Salazar. Over the past two years, Salazar has made 25 appearances with United Soccer League club San Antonio FC. He also has previous experience in the Premier Development League, spending a season with the Carolina Dynamo in 2014.

“We’re excited to have a player of Miguel’s caliber on the roster,” said FC Tucson head coach Dave Cosgrove. “He’s going to be a leader on the field, not just for his teammates, but also to the local youth soccer players in Tucson who hopefully follow in his footsteps. The community is really going to be proud of him.”

Salazar played his college career at Elon University. In his four seasons with the Phoenix, Salazar made the All-Conference Freshman team and was a two-time first team All-Conference selection. He helped Elon win the Colonial Athletic Conference regular-season title his senior season.

Salazar grew up playing at the Real Salt Lake Academy in Casa Grande, AZ. He also participated in the 2016 Adidas MLS Combine ahead of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to his time at the RSL Academy, Salazar played with the Tucson Soccer Academy  (now FC Tucson Youth).

FC Tucson will begin play with a friendly this Saturday against the University of Arizona Men’s Soccer team. The match will be played at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium and is free and open to the public. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 11, 2018) — Today, FC Tucson learned its potential matchup and location for the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. If the club wins its first-round match against La Maquina FC, they will travel to Las Vegas on May 16 to square up with United Soccer League side Las Vegas Lights FC. That match would kickoff at 8:00 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 11, 2018) — Today, FC Tucson learned its potential matchup and location for the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. If the club wins its first-round match against La Maquina FC, they will travel to Las Vegas on May 16 to square up with United Soccer League side Las Vegas Lights FC. That match would kickoff at 8:00 p.m.

Tucson, Ariz. (April 9, 2018) — The evolution of youth soccer in Arizona has taken a dramatic step forward. Southern Arizona’s largest, most diverse, and most competitive youth soccer programs, Tucson Soccer Academy (TSA) and Tanque Verde Soccer Club (TVSC), have joined forces and partnered with Tucson’s Premier Development League team, FC Tucson, to form FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club.  

TSA and TVSC have combined to create what will be unrivaled recreational, developmental and competitive opportunities for Tucson area youth. The merger was prompted by the two organizations’ mutual desire to provide an exceptional soccer experience for youth players of all ages and abilities.  Partnering these merged youth soccer clubs with Phoenix Rising FC, which owns Tucson’s Premier Development League team – FC Tucson, provides southern Arizona soccer players with a direct path to professional soccer. 

Pooling the resources of the two clubs allows FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club to build on the foundation of excellence already established by TSA and TVSC.  For example, the merger expands the player pool for FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club’s competitive teams, improves the depth and expertise of its coaching staff, and makes FC Tucson an even stronger voice for soccer in Southern Arizona.  The newly expanded organization can also take a giant step towards the goal of making youth soccer more affordable for every Tucson area boy and girl who wants to play.

For FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club President Ted Schmidt, who formerly held the same position at TSA, the merger is a major step in elevating youth soccer to higher level in southern Arizona.  According to Schmidt, “This is a monumental game-changer for the kids in Southern Arizona.  This marriage of leadership, coaching, and resources will allow for superior recreational, developmental and competitive programs at lower costs as well as a more robust scholarship program. We will have Tucson’s largest recreational soccer program, while bringing Pima County’s most talented kids together on teams capable of competing beyond Arizona at the regional level.  With Tucson’s best coaches, a fully-equipped Clubhouse and fitness center, and a dynamic association with Phoenix Rising FC and the University of Arizona Women’s Soccer program, we will take youth soccer to the next plateau in every way.”

Former TVSC President Garrett Rustand, who was instrumental in initiating the merger and bringing it to fruition, echoes Schmidt’s enthusiasm for what the merger can do for the soccer community.  “This is an exciting time as two storied soccer clubs are coming together to elevate youth soccer in Southern Arizona”.  Rustand, who has two children playing youth soccer, will be FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club’s Vice President.

As a finalist for Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion, Phoenix Rising FC has made recent steps to increase its presence in Tucson.  Early in 2017, it signed an agreement with Cox Media to broadcast all of its matches live in Tucson on YurView Arizona channels 7 and 1007 (for HD). Last fall, it acquired Premier Development League team FC Tucson and rights to own and operate the Mobile Mini Sun Cup MLS pre-season soccer tournament.  Then, earlier this year, Phoenix Rising FC announced it would be launching a United Soccer League Division 3 professional soccer team in Tucson as early as 2019. 

Phoenix Rising FC and FC Tucson Premier Development League team co-owner and Tucson native Dr. Mark Leber said, “Expanding our organization into youth soccer development is a critical step for the future of professional soccer in Arizona.  My brothers and I grew up playing soccer in Tucson, and I have seen the growth and success of TSA and TVSC.  Seeing them merge and partner with our Premier Development League team – FC Tucson gives me tremendous pride, knowing how many kids’ lives we can positively impact together in southern Arizona.”

FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club’s Director of Coaching, and FC Tucson Premier Development League team Head Coach, David Cosgrove, is ecstatic about the potential of this new club. “We are bringing the best soccer training and instruction together in a manner unparalleled in Tucson’s youth soccer history.  FC Tucson will offer the best entry-level programs in Southern Arizona at affordable prices, as well as greatly enhanced developmental and competitive programs. Finally, Tucson will be able to compete consistently with the larger Phoenix and Southern California markets. And the newly cemented relationship with Phoenix Rising FC will yield tremendous benefits to both organizations. As a native Tucsonan, I can say this is the most exciting development in youth soccer for our community since my colleague and mentor Wolfgang Weber made soccer a staple for Tucson kids some 40 years ago.”

Tucson, Ariz. (April 9, 2018) — The evolution of youth soccer in Arizona has taken a dramatic step forward. Southern Arizona’s largest, most diverse, and most competitive youth soccer programs, Tucson Soccer Academy (TSA) and Tanque Verde Soccer Club (TVSC), have joined forces and partnered with Tucson’s Premier Development League team, FC Tucson, to form FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club.  

TSA and TVSC have combined to create what will be unrivaled recreational, developmental and competitive opportunities for Tucson area youth. The merger was prompted by the two organizations’ mutual desire to provide an exceptional soccer experience for youth players of all ages and abilities.  Partnering these merged youth soccer clubs with Phoenix Rising FC, which owns Tucson’s Premier Development League team – FC Tucson, provides southern Arizona soccer players with a direct path to professional soccer. 

Pooling the resources of the two clubs allows FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club to build on the foundation of excellence already established by TSA and TVSC.  For example, the merger expands the player pool for FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club’s competitive teams, improves the depth and expertise of its coaching staff, and makes FC Tucson an even stronger voice for soccer in Southern Arizona.  The newly expanded organization can also take a giant step towards the goal of making youth soccer more affordable for every Tucson area boy and girl who wants to play.

For FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club President Ted Schmidt, who formerly held the same position at TSA, the merger is a major step in elevating youth soccer to higher level in southern Arizona.  According to Schmidt, “This is a monumental game-changer for the kids in Southern Arizona.  This marriage of leadership, coaching, and resources will allow for superior recreational, developmental and competitive programs at lower costs as well as a more robust scholarship program. We will have Tucson’s largest recreational soccer program, while bringing Pima County’s most talented kids together on teams capable of competing beyond Arizona at the regional level.  With Tucson’s best coaches, a fully-equipped Clubhouse and fitness center, and a dynamic association with Phoenix Rising FC and the University of Arizona Women’s Soccer program, we will take youth soccer to the next plateau in every way.”

Former TVSC President Garrett Rustand, who was instrumental in initiating the merger and bringing it to fruition, echoes Schmidt’s enthusiasm for what the merger can do for the soccer community.  “This is an exciting time as two storied soccer clubs are coming together to elevate youth soccer in Southern Arizona”.  Rustand, who has two children playing youth soccer, will be FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club’s Vice President.

As a finalist for Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion, Phoenix Rising FC has made recent steps to increase its presence in Tucson.  Early in 2017, it signed an agreement with Cox Media to broadcast all of its matches live in Tucson on YurView Arizona channels 7 and 1007 (for HD). Last fall, it acquired Premier Development League team FC Tucson and rights to own and operate the Mobile Mini Sun Cup MLS pre-season soccer tournament.  Then, earlier this year, Phoenix Rising FC announced it would be launching a United Soccer League Division 3 professional soccer team in Tucson as early as 2019. 

Phoenix Rising FC and FC Tucson Premier Development League team co-owner and Tucson native Dr. Mark Leber said, “Expanding our organization into youth soccer development is a critical step for the future of professional soccer in Arizona.  My brothers and I grew up playing soccer in Tucson, and I have seen the growth and success of TSA and TVSC.  Seeing them merge and partner with our Premier Development League team – FC Tucson gives me tremendous pride, knowing how many kids’ lives we can positively impact together in southern Arizona.”

FC Tucson Youth Soccer Club’s Director of Coaching, and FC Tucson Premier Development League team Head Coach, David Cosgrove, is ecstatic about the potential of this new club. “We are bringing the best soccer training and instruction together in a manner unparalleled in Tucson’s youth soccer history.  FC Tucson will offer the best entry-level programs in Southern Arizona at affordable prices, as well as greatly enhanced developmental and competitive programs. Finally, Tucson will be able to compete consistently with the larger Phoenix and Southern California markets. And the newly cemented relationship with Phoenix Rising FC will yield tremendous benefits to both organizations. As a native Tucsonan, I can say this is the most exciting development in youth soccer for our community since my colleague and mentor Wolfgang Weber made soccer a staple for Tucson kids some 40 years ago.”

TUCSON (April 4, 2018) — Today FC Tucson learned it would be hosting La Máquina FC of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) on May 9 for the first round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

This will be the club's fifth appearance in the U.S. Open Cup and the fourth consecutive season they've made an appearance. FC Tucson is 3-1 in their previous four first-round matches and have won their first-round match in each of the last two seasons.

FC Tucson qualified for its first-ever trip to the U.S. Open Cup in 2013, where the team defeated two professional clubs in back-to-back matches to reach the third round and play Major League Soccer Club Houston Dynamo. The team lost to the Dynamo 2-0.

Tickets for the U.S. Open Cup match are not currently on sale but fans can receive a complimentary U.S. Open Cup ticket when they become an FC Tucson season ticket member. To purchase 2018 season tickets, click here.

For the full U.S. Oen Cup first round schedule, click here.

TUCSON (April 4, 2018) — Today FC Tucson learned it would be hosting La Máquina FC of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) on May 9 for the first round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

This will be the club’s fifth appearance in the U.S. Open Cup and the fourth consecutive season they’ve made an appearance. FC Tucson is 3-1 in their previous four first-round matches and have won their first-round match in each of the last two seasons.

FC Tucson qualified for its first-ever trip to the U.S. Open Cup in 2013, where the team defeated two professional clubs in back-to-back matches to reach the third round and play Major League Soccer Club Houston Dynamo. The team lost to the Dynamo 2-0.

Tickets for the U.S. Open Cup match are not currently on sale but fans can receive a complimentary U.S. Open Cup ticket when they become an FC Tucson season ticket member. To purchase 2018 season tickets, click here.

For the full U.S. Oen Cup first round schedule, click here.