Villareal’s Stunning Early Strike Secures Victory for FC Tucson

FC Tucson’s women’s team celebrated a hard-fought victory at Kino North Stadium on a rainy Sunday night, facing off against the El Paso Surf. Despite the dreary conditions, the match showcased a competitive spirit from both sides.

Early in the game, Tucson’s forward Vivien Villareal scored after capitalizing on a rebound from Surf goalkeeper Genesis Davila. This initial lead was met with resilience from Davila, who made several crucial saves, frustrating Tucson’s forwards and forcing them into low-percentage shots.

As the second half progressed, persistent rainfall changed the dynamics of play. Tucson struggled to maintain their lead. El Paso seized the opportunity to equalize, pushing through Tucson’s midfield. A pivotal moment occurred when El Paso’s forward broke past defensive midfielder Fiorela Miranda, who took decisive action to prevent a goal, earning herself a yellow card in the process.

The ensuing free kick from El Paso posed a potential danger but was comfortably saved by second-year goalkeeper Tindra Biedermann. FC Tucson continued to be active on offense, with players like Meredith Scott and McKenzie Moring driving into the box to collect loose balls, yet Davila once again proved to be a formidable barrier. The back-and-forth nature of the match made clear the challenges both teams were facing in converting chances into goals.

El Paso’s final opportunity came in the 84th minute, but a well-timed tackle by Shania Walters preserved Tucson’s lead. Following the match, players interacted with a few dedicated fans braving the rain to support the team.

Head coach Caylee Carter commented on the impact of the weather, noting their initial strategy to keep the ball on the ground. “We hoped the rain would let up,” she said, reflecting on how it influenced both teams’ shooting accuracy. “There was a lot of general unluckiness…”

This victory leaves Tucson undefeated, the only blemish being a recent draw against Royals AZ. Looking ahead, they will face Pima County Surf in a friendly next Saturday, followed by a league match against SC del Sol.

El Paso’s strong offense was met by Tucson’s solid defensive trio. Center backs Natalia Sepulveda and Shania Walters, alongside Miranda, formed a cohesive unit that consistently thwarted El Paso’s advances. Miranda described her role as “repartir el queso,” illustrating her responsibilities in distributing the ball effectively across the field. She emphasized the importance of awareness and teamwork in maintaining Tucson’s rhythm, stating, “We were able to get around and find a rhythm… we were able to be controlled and work together.”