Hey 19: FC Tucson Crushes Coachella in a Stunning Victory

FC Tucson achieved a staggering 19-0 victory over Coachella SC at Kino North Stadium on Friday night, making headlines for an extraordinary scoreline in a USL League 2 match.

This historic win was not merely a fluke. FC Tucson’s head coach, Sebastian Pineda, expressed satisfaction with his team’s attacking prowess, noting the confidence boost for his players. However, he cautioned that such a score does not reflect typical league dynamics.

From the outset, the disparity was evident. Coachella SC struggled, fielding only one substitute—a player deemed ineligible. The scoring frenzy began in the fifth minute with a penalty kick awarded for a foul on Paul Caliari. Alexis Ledoux converted, setting a relentless pace for the match.

Ledoux netted two more goals before halftime, but it was overshadowed by teammates Juan Pablo Sánchez and Hector Moreno, who also scored three goals each. Jesse Wangusi, a college player at CSU Bakersfield, remarkably added four goals to his tally.

Coachella’s solitary opportunity came late through Ivan Lopez’s free kick, which was one of the few saves made by FC Tucson goalkeeper Mathaus Rhomens.

This win marked FC Tucson’s third consecutive victory this season, placing them atop the league standings, just ahead of Ventura County. Their next challenge will be against AMSG at home next Friday.

Historically, FC Tucson has recorded nine-goal victories on four occasions, primarily during Open Cup and friendly matches. Their one significant league blowout occurred in 2013, when they triumphed 9-0 over OC Blues Strikers FC.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, FC Tucson maintained their intensity. D’Andre Pickett emphasized the importance of respect toward opponents, regardless of the score. Hector Moreno echoed this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of continuing to score as a sign of respect.

Interestingly, Coachella SC’s struggles stem from a recent team restructuring. Previously known as Coachella FC, the team has faced significant challenges, including an inability to secure adequate player resources. Their current performance record—one draw and numerous heavy losses—reflects an alarming -41 goal differential.

Critics argue that Coachella SC’s current state raises questions about their place in the league. A lack of substitutes and poor planning is evident. The players, while talented, appeared overwhelmed against a seasoned FC Tucson team. This situation raises concerns about the league’s standards and the future of less competitive teams.