FC Tucson’s Liz Duarte Bids Farewell to Soccer Career

Luz Duarte announced her retirement from soccer in an Instagram post. She initially made the announcement in a since-deleted video, only to follow up with a shorter post.

“Dear football, we don’t owe each other anything anymore. Thank you for everything. The end,” she wrote in a Spanish caption under a photo of herself in an FC Tucson jersey.

Duarte joined FC Tucson in 2019 after playing for the Mexican national team. She scored a record 12 goals in 2021, which led to a signing with UNAM Pumas in Mexico’s Liga MX Feminil.

At Pumas, she netted 3 goals in 10 appearances in 2021. However, an injury in January 2022 sidelined her for much of the season. Despite returning to the field, another injury struck, prompting her transfer to Atlético San Luis, where she scored two goals during the season.

Returning to FC Tucson this year, Duarte assisted in three goals and scored one in the team’s final match on July 7.

She has not disclosed her future plans.

Arizona soccer embarks on its first season in the Big XII this year, facing new opponents.

“There are strong differences in style,” said coach Becca Moros. “As soccer has grown in the country, there are many places playing good soccer. The idea that one conference plays better football or is rough and tumble is not as accurate as it once was. There’s great soccer being played in the Big 12.”

The team announced their non-conference schedule, which includes an away match against Pepperdine on August 29 and a home game against Northern Arizona on August 22.

FC Tucson men’s team moved closer to a playoff spot with a win over AMSG FC on Tuesday. To secure their place, they must win against Coachella, a team with only one win this season.

“We’ll have to take care of business,” said coach Sebastian Pineda.

The match is set for Kino North Stadium on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.