FC Tucson News Release -- www.fctucson.com
Friday, April 5, 2013
TUCSON, Ariz. — FC Tucson officially kicked off its 2013 season with the signing of its first three players of the year: Travis Campbell, Edgar Reyna and Conor Spence.
“There isn’t a better way for us to begin our 2013 campaign than to start it with signing these three players,” said FC Tucson General Manager Jon Pearlman. “Travis and Conor were major reasons why we had one of the best defenses in the country and to bring them back for a second year will give us a lot of stability along the back line.
“Edgar is no stranger to us. He played with the club when it was just an independent team and he spent some time training with us last season. I’m really excited to see him get a chance to play during the PDL season and really show off his athleticism.”
Spence appeared in 16 matches for FC Tucson last season and played a total of 1,363 minutes, both team highs. He scored one goal but spent much of his time leading the middle of a backline that notched a 548-miunte shut out streak early in the season. Spence was also named All-Conference (PDL Western Conference) defender at the end of the season.
Campbell appeared in six matches for FC Tucson and played a total of 518 minutes while adding a goal. He was named the PDL Player of the Week for the week of June 14. In that week Campbell played all 90 minutes in back-to-back matches against the Ogden Outlaws and BYU Cougars. He helped FC Tucson notch back-to-back shut outs that weekend and also scored his lone goal of the season. Campbell was also the first player in FC Tucson history to be named PDL Player of the Week.
Campbell recently graduated from the University of New Mexico. During his senior season in 2012, Campbell appeared in 20 matches (started 18) and anchored a backline that recorded 11 shutouts, including a seven-match shutout streak that ended the season and began the conference tournament. He was also a third-team All Conference selection. New Mexico reached the NCAA Tournament during all three of Campbell’s seasons as a starter and in his final two seasons, the Lobos were back-to-back regular season conference champions.
“I can’t wait to get Conor and Travis back this season,” said FC Tucson Head Coach Rick Schantz. “Having returning players always make it easier to prepare the grueling season. Travis and Conor are both good leaders and will be great locker room guys.”
Reyna, a Tucson Soccer Academy alum, has played with FC Tucson before even though he didn’t dress during the 2012 PDL season. Reyna dressed for FC Tucson’s non-PDL match against the Phoenix Monsoon last season and spent time with the team training as a reserve. In 2009 Reyna appeared in 16 matches for Pima Community College and scored four goals while adding two assists. In 2010, Reyna made 18 appearances for Columbia (MO) College and led the team in points (25) and goals (12). In 2011, Reyna played with the club during its lone season as an independent club.
“Edgar’s athleticism, matched up with his technical ability, makes him a versatile performer both on the attacking and defensive side of the ball, making him an valuable asset,” Pearlman said.
Fans can catch FC Tucson’s first three signings in person by purchasing 2013 season ticket packages at www.fctucson.com. Ticket packages, which include tickets for seven PDL matches and three additional dates, are only $100 (Reg. $120) for adults and $80 for youth ages 3-12. Children under three do not need a ticket.