FC Tucson Claims Victory Over Redlands FC, Ascends to Division Summit

FC Tucson triumphed in their first home match on Saturday night at Kino North Stadium, facing a strong opponent in Redlands FC. Known for their competitive edge, Redlands showcased both skill and resilience, even while playing their third game within eight days.

The match began with FC Tucson applying relentless pressure, which forced Redlands’ well-structured defense into action early on. Within just seven minutes, forward Ismael Ruiz, a talented product of the local scene, scored the opening goal. He received a precise pass from Paul Caliari, quickly converting it past Redlands goalkeeper Miguel-Ángel Hernández.

Despite Tucson’s early lead, Hernández proved formidable, denying numerous chances from FC Tucson’s Alexis Ledoux and Daniel Idiakhoa. A pivotal moment arose at the end of the first half when a foul in the box set up a penalty kick for Ledoux, who unfortunately slipped, sending the ball soaring over the crossbar.

Redlands emerged from halftime with renewed energy. Their Serbian-born striker Luka Lukić nearly capitalized on an opportunity, foreshadowing the growing intensity. Six minutes later, Troy Elgersma leveled the match for Redlands, showcasing their determination.

The tide shifted once again in the 84th minute when José Montealegre, a notable local talent making his debut at Kino, scored the decisive goal. “It was amazing,” Montealegre remarked about the crowd’s reaction, signaling his hopes for more moments like this in the future.

This victory positions FC Tucson at the top of the conference table with six points from two matches. Their next home game is slotted for Friday against Coachella FC.

Coach Sebastian Pineda expressed satisfaction with the first-half performance, praising their possession against an experienced Redlands team. However, he noted some players struggled after the substitution rotations. Paul Caliari shared similar sentiments, stating, “We dropped off at the beginning of the second half due to fatigue.”

Ultimately, strategic substitutions proved effective, with Emil Corfitzen assisting Montealegre’s goal. “Two guys from the bench combined for the winning play,” said Pineda, reflecting on the importance of depth in the squad.

FC Tucson’s diverse lineup includes international players, but the match’s defining moments came from locals. Ruiz, a product of Tucson’s high school and college soccer programs, expressed deep pride in contributing. “It means a lot. This is my home,” he said, capturing the essence of local support.

The rivalry between FC Tucson and Redlands has intensified, with FC Tucson maintaining a dominant record since May 2023. However, the match featured physical exchanges, including a confrontation involving Hernández and Tucson midfielder David Boccuzzo, as well as several bookings for Redlands players.

With this win, FC Tucson leads the Southwest conference based on goal differential, although they have played one fewer match than Redlands. Their upcoming opponent, Coachella FC, has struggled, sitting toward the bottom of the table with only one point.