FC Tucson News Release -- www.fctucson.com
Friday, June 29, 2012
TUCSON, Ariz. — Two weeks ago, in front of a hostile crowd and down a man for 60 minutes, FC Tucson clawed its way to a 1-1 draw with Ventura County. On Saturday night, the teams battle in round two between the top two teams in the PDL's Southwest Division. This time, the setting is in Tucson.
“Playing at home is a huge help to our team,” said FC Tucson Head Coach Rick Schantz. “When we are on the road and things are not going our way, it’s hard to believe that we can get the job done. But, at home the energy of the fans and desire to make our city proud really helps us through those tough moments in a match.”
The home field advantage may be the edge FC Tucson needs to topple the Fusion. On the road, and down a man, the side managed to keep its composure for most of the game, even feeding off the animosity of the Ventura County crowd.
When Donny Toia scored the game-tying goal in the 61st minute, he made a shushing-motion toward the crowd, reveling in the vitriol directed toward him and his teammates. Even those on the FC Tucson bench got into the revelry of the game-tying moment, flashing smiles at a crowd disheartened and displeased with the game’s outcome.
Cooler heads didn’t last the entire game. On both sides, flare ups from coaches and players created a palpable tension in the air, with every challenge and tackle being met with exhortations from the losing side. It all boiled over at the end of the game when both teams began a shoving match that was at the edge of a fight, but fizzled into nothing more than a war of words.
“In the first match with Ventura, I think we surprised them a little,” Schantz said. “However, their coach, who is experienced, made the right decisions and turned the game. It was unfortunate to play with 10 for so long, but on the road sometimes these things happen and it worked out well for us. I am sure Ventura will be pumped to get that one back. I expect this to be a battle and every player on the field will be giving everything they have to win.”
The stakes will not be quite as high in Tucson. Unlike in the previous match up, first place is not up for grabs. Even with a win, FC Tucson would still be two points behind the Fusion. But FC Tucson would have a game in hand and position itself to make a run at the division title.
Maybe more important than that is FC Tucson would keep itself a safe distance ahead of the Ogden Outlaws, who sit in third place and four points behind FC Tucson entering Friday night's contest with the LA Misioneros. The top two teams in each division make the playoffs and each win gets FC Tucson closer to clinching a playoff berth.
Even though FC Tucson is in the final stages of its first season and on the cusp of reaching its first postseason, Schantz doesn’t believe his team will wilt under the pressure of games like this one on Saturday night.
“Our boys want to play with and against the best in order to make themselves better,” Schantz said. “These games challenge each and every player to stay in the moment. I have been very impressed with our players and their ability to compete. It will be my job to keep them calm. I’m not worried about them being tense. Maybe more worried about them being too excited.”
FC Tucson’s rematch with Ventura County will be on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PT at Kino Sports Complex, Field No.5. Tickets are $12 and can be bought at the gate beginning at 5 p.m. They can also be purchased online at www.TicketForce.com or on the team's Facebook page at Facebook.com/FCTucson.
There will also be fireworks at approximately 10 p.m. and fans are encouraged to hang around Field No.5 following the game to watch them from up close.