FC Tucson Set to Clash with Oakland for Western Division Championship Glory

FC Tucson is set to compete in the Western Division championship of USL League Two this Friday in Peoria, Illinois. The significance of this milestone in their playoff history is debated.

Back in the previous decade, fewer teams composed the Western Division, which simplified the championship’s determination to the first weekend. In 2018, FC Tucson’s last amateur season before briefly turning professional, only 20 teams participated. Now, with 30 teams in the division, an additional playoff round is required to crown a champion.

FC Tucson has regularly reached the conference championship, most recently losing 2-0 to Calgary Foothills FC in 2018. They previously got a bye before losing to Fresno Fuego in the finals. This year’s run, however, marks their first time playing a third playoff match.

Sebastian Pineda, a former player and current coach, is no stranger to FC Tucson’s postseason trials. “We were here in ‘15. We were in a conference final against the Seattle Sounders [U-23],” Pineda recalled regarding that heartbreaking loss. “This game is historically significant, and I will motivate the guys to make history.”

The opposing team for Friday is Project 51O, a youth team for USL Championship club Oakland Roots. With their youthful roster, they represent a challenge due to their exposure to a professional environment and potential for homegrown contracts from Oakland Roots.

“They have been around the professional environment and are motivated, having achieved notable results against strong teams,” Pineda said.

Adding complexity to FC Tucson’s lineup is the loss of goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff. Nils Roth, a former Pima College keeper with professional experience, has stepped up as a replacement.

At 28, Roth brings extensive experience, which he acknowledges aids his on-field performance. His leadership was evident last game where he helped secure a shutout against Ventura County in the conference semifinal. “Experience allows me to foresee threats and communicate effectively,” Roth remarked.

FC Tucson will face Project 51O at Shea Stadium in Peoria, Illinois, with the winner advancing to play either Flint City Bucks or host Peoria City on Sunday.