FC Tucson Triumphs with Nail-Biting 1-Goal Victory over Ventura County in Peoria

Winning against Ventura County Fusion is never easy. The team has a reputation for attracting some of the best young prospects in the country. For instance, 2023 league player of the year Logan Farrington was part of the squad in 2022 and 2023 and is now a starter for FC Dallas.

However, past accolades don’t win matches when the ball is rolling. FC Tucson defeated Ventura County 1-0 at Kino North Stadium on Sunday night in the Western Conference semifinal.

The game started with goalkeeper Nils Roth making his second start and top scorer Elian Aguilar on the bench.

Following a period of back-and-forth action, including two close shots by the visitors, FC Tucson struck first. Lars Walczyk, touted as the best player in Friday night’s win, launched a shot from the edge of the box. The keeper initially blocked it, but Walczyk recollected the ball and scored on his second attempt.

As stoppage time approached, Ventura’s João Belmudes took a shot batted away by former pro keeper Kashope Oladapo. The ball landed at Duvan Canchila’s feet, but his weak attempt sailed over the empty net.

A second goal would have been welcome, but it’s unlikely it would have changed Ventura County’s aggressive approach in the second half. The visitors dominated ball possession, although smart defense from FC Tucson disrupted their attempts to penetrate the box. Tucson struggled to mount effective counter-attacks.

FC Tucson’s resilient backline held Ventura scoreless, causing evident frustration for the California side. Callen Lewis, coming off the bench, had a clear chance against Roth but sent his shot over the crossbar. Tucson fans, armed with vuvuzelas, taunted him with a low buzz.

In the 88th minute, FC Tucson ventured upfield once more, resulting in Paul Caliari being fouled by Ventura’s Nicholas Releford, who was sent off after receiving his second warning. Ventura coach Keith Costigan protested to the fourth official, earning his third yellow card of the season at Kino.

Even with 10 men, Ventura created several late chances. Roth made two critical saves and disrupted three potential shots, securing the victory for Tucson.

Typically, going down a man significantly alters a match. However, Ventura’s performance remained consistent. FC Tucson coach Sebastian Pineda chose to secure the lead rather than capitalize on the advantage.

“I switched to a five-four-one formation because I anticipated their push,” Pineda explained. “I wanted aerial balls from central spaces, easier to defend than wide ones. Our wide areas were well-covered, and it worked well.”

Lars Walczyk’s decisive goal underscored his growing importance to the team. Initially a bench player, he has become vital to Tucson’s offense.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Walczyk said. “Coming off the bench often, I try to help the team. Scoring such a crucial goal in an important game against a top team feels incredible.”

Next, FC Tucson travels to Peoria, Ill., for Friday’s Western Conference final against Project 51O, an affiliate of USL Championship team Oakland Roots. 51O recently triumphed in a 5-4 extra-time thriller against United PDX.