FC Tucson’s historic 2024 postseason run ended Sunday afternoon after a barrage of goals from host Peoria City.
FC Tucson (10-3-5) lost 5-1 in the USL League Two national semifinals after the home side scored five times in the second half.
Peoria City forward Luke Persenico scored the opening goal in the 49th minute and then added another one about three minutes later. FC Tucson halved the Flying Carp’s lead with a goal by forward William Arnesen a few seconds later, but Persenico got a hat trick in the 67th minute and Peoria City added goals in the 72nd and 88th minutes.
“We knew coming in we’re playing the home team and it was gonna be tough with the fans. They’re used to the field and everything,” FC Tucson head coach Sebastian Pineda said postgame.
“We came out and performed but unfortunately they were better in the critical moments than us and they take the result.”
The USL League Two’s northern four-team pod was held at Bradley University’s Shea Stadium in Peoria, Illinois.
Peoria City (12-1-3) faces the winner of the other semifinal between the Eastern Conference champions Seacoast United Phantoms (Epping, New Hampshire) and the Southern Conference champions Asheville City (North Carolina). That match was ongoing as the Star went to press.
Pineda, in his first season as head coach of FC Tucson’s first team, led the Men in Black to their first USL League Two semifinals appearance in seven playoff runs and their most postseason wins in a single season.
“I’m just thankful for the club for the opportunity — thankful with the guys because they came in and they represented the club to the highest of their ability and I think there is a lot of positives to take out of the season,” Pineda said. “Of course it hurts to go out the way we’re going out but we fought the whole summer. We came down to only 16 players on the bench for (Sunday) so all that stuff plays a role but it’s not an excuse. I’m proud of the guys and I’m happy to be part of history at the club.”
Pineda took over the head coaching role after FCT went 7-1-4 last season in the organization’s return to USL League Two; that 2023 team barely missed out on the playoffs, with goal differential the deciding factor.
“I think talking with the club, we had an expectation with what is provided for the players and everything, so there was a pressure there,” Pineda said, “but I think once we made it into playoffs that pressure kind of went away a little bit.
“I knew the talented team that we had and that’s what has taken us all the way to this stage.”
Pineda came back to Tucson to become the Men in Black’s Pro Academy head coach and an assistant for the USL League One side in 2022. He also played for FC Tucson in 2015 and 2017.
He said it was difficult to pick who FC Tucson’s most valuable players were during their playoff run.
They all played an amazing role,” he said. “It’s tough for me to say.
“I think of course William — William Arnesen. The stats that he put in with goals and assists through out this summer, and of course the captain Duvan Canchila was a big part of what we are as a club and what we’re trying to do on the field. He’s like a second coach on the field for me.”
Pineda did think their final four appearance will help with recruitment next year.
“Yeah for sure,” Pineda said. “Getting here we’ll have to sit down with the club and get ready for next season when the time comes and I know that more players that are higher level want to come in but we’ll look into that later in the future.”
Corner kicks FC Tucson’s 10 wins is tied for their third-best mark in USL League Two history. In 2014 and 2016, FCT won 11 matches and the division title but lost in the conference final both seasons.
Five goals is the most FC Tucson gave up all season. FCT scored 40 and gave up 26 in 18 league matches.
Photos: FC Tucson drops Ventura County 1-0 to reach USL 2 Western Conference final
Ventura County's Callen Lewis (2) pops the ball into the face of FC Tucson Jonah Kawamara (24) in the fight for possession in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024. FCT rode a first half score to 1-0 win and a spot in the conference finals.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Cason Goodman (9) makes flying stab at the ball but only gets FC Tucson defender Ellis Jones (4) and a yellow card in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Mathias Winum (4) gets to the corner kick ahead of FC Tucson defender Thomas Gray (5) in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson midfielder Lars Walczyk (6) loses the race to the ball to Ventura County's Mikkel Goeling (15) at the top of the Fusion box late in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Cason Goodman (9) grabs a lot of jersey trying to keep FC Tucson defender Thomas Gray (5) the header in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Mathias Winum (4) makes the sweeping slide tackle to keep FC Tucson forward James Jennings (11) from getting upfield in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Nicholas Releford (21) leaps in and makes contact with FC Tucson forward Joao Belmudes (10) in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024. The foul was enough for Releford’s first yellow of the night, he eventually picked up his second in stoppage time for a red card.
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Ventura County's Siddiq Lezzar (12) flies in with a last gasp block on a shot from FC Tucson forward Joao Belmudes (10) in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson midfielder Lars Walczyk (6) gets squeezed out against Ventura County's Erick Serrano (5) in pursuit of the ball in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Duvan Canchila (14), top, and Ventura County's Cason Goodman (9) collide trying to win the header near midfield in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County’s Mikkel Goeling (15) gets the initial block on a shot by FC Tucson midfielder Lars Walczyk (6), but Walczyk would gather the rebound and fire home the would-be game winner in the first half of the teams’ USL League Two Western Conference semifinal playoff match Sunday in Tucson
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Palmer Bank (19), left, gets a stud to the ball ahead of FC Tucson forward Imsael Ruiz (20) in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Nicholas Releford (21) drags down FC Tucson forward Paul Caliri (9) trying to keep him from possession in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Elliot Forestier (3) comes over the top of Ventura County's Buba Fofanah (10) to keep him from gathering in the ball near the FCT box in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Thomas Gray (5) crashes the box but can’t redirect the corner on goal against Ventura County in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Mikkel Goeling (15) gets sent to the turf by FC Tucson midfielder William Arnesen (7) in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Ellis Jones (4), top, jumps into the arms of defender Thomas Gray (5) as the two celebrate the final whistle and 1-0 win against Ventura County in the USL League 2 western conference semifinal playoff game,Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Photos: FC Tucson over Flatirons FC 3-2, Ventura County squeaks past Albion SC 2-1 in AET, in the first round of the western conference playoffs
Flatirons' Samuel Scarth (22) sends FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9) sprawling on an unsuccessful tackle in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024. FC Tucson advanced to Sunday’s conference semifinal with a 3-2 win.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's midfielder William Arnesen (7) gets a lot of Flatirons' Shunnusuke Nakajima (3) trying to win the ball in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Flatirons' Jackson Vander Ven (19) takes the ball off the foot of FC Tucson's forward James Jennings (11) stopping his run ups the touchline in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Flatirons' Dalio Pekovic (8) hops in front of FC Tucson's midfielder Lars Walczyk (6) to win a loose ball in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9) fends off the lunge from Flatirons' Shunnusuke Nakajima (3) in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Flatirons' Ethan Boyle (10) sends FC Tucson's goalkeeper Nils Roth (1) the wrong way on his penalty kick to cut the FCT lead to 2-1 in stoppage time of the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9) cuts into the box against Flatirons' Jackson Vander Ven (19) in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's defender Thomas Gray (5) and his teammates get a splash during a hydration break late in the second half against Flatirons in their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Joao Neves (17) tries to offers some condolence to Flatirons' Shunnusuke Nakajima (3) at the end of FCT’s 3-2 win to advance to the USL League 2 western conference semifinal game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's goalkeeper Nils Roth (1) gets above the crowd to redirect a cross into the box from Flatirons in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Flatirons' goalkeeper Amir Habibi (1) punchesthe ball clear of danger over FC Tucson's defender Ellis Jones (4) in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward James Jennings (11) redirects a low cross into the net past Flatirons' goalkeeper Amir Habibi (1) to double the FCT lead to 2-0 in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9) traps an inlet pass while holding back Flatirons' Jonah Elstad (15) in the first half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's midfielder Jonah Kawamara (24) celebrates a little after slotting home what turned out to be the game winner in 3-2 victory against Flatirons in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Albion’s Brendan Schoemehi (15) takes the ball from Ventura County’s Michael Acquah (17) in the weather-delayed second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024. Ventura slipped past Albion SC 2-1 with the winner in added extra time.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County’s Marley Edwards takes a stab at knocking down a pass near midfield against Albion SC in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County’s Callen Lewis (2) slices down Albion’s Elias Taubo (16) during the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024. Ventura advanced and will face FC Tucson in Sunday’s conference semifinal.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Albion’s Brendan Schoemehi (15) toes the ball past Ventura County’s Fletcher Bank (18) during the second half of the USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Albion’s Ronan Wynnne (23), left, and Ventura County’s Michael Acquah (17) arrive at the cross at the same time late in the second half of their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Joao Belmudes (10) heads to the sidelines to get the bench involved after opening the scoring in the second half against Flatirons in their USL League 2 western conference playoff game, Tucson, Ariz., July 19, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Photos: FC Tucson ease past AMSG 2-0, USL League 2
FC Tucson's forward Joao Belmudes (10) gets a leg up on AMSG’s forward Thomas Miller (6) to control the ball near the top of the box in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024. Second place FCT scored either side of half to put some needed distance between themselves and third place AMSG for a 2-0 win.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s midfielder Martin Garcia (21) and FC Tucson's forward Elian Agular (77) go back-to-back trying to control a loose ball in the AMSG box in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's defender D'andre Pickett (16), left, defender Duvan Canchila (14) get together with forward James Jennings (11) to celebrate Jennings’ goal to open the night’s scoring against AMSG in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Joao Neves (17) works his way between AMSG’s defender Andre Puente (4) and midfielder Kenneth Livernois (8) to get into the box in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9) rises up to redirect a cross onto goal over AMSG’s defender Andre Puente (4) in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s forward Thomas Miller (6), left, and FC Tucson's midfielder Luke Kawabe (8) slide into one another trying to win a loose ball in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s midfielder Kenneth Livernois (8) flies in too late and gets nothing but foot trying to stop FC Tucson's defender D'andre Pickett (16) in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's midfielder Luke Kawabe (8) works his way past AMSG’s defender Reece Kilpin (5) long the touchline in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s defender Carson Hammond (2) outruns FC Tucson's forward Elian Agular (77) to get a nod on the ball in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s midfielder Alhasan Alsakati (10) rises up to win a ball near midfield in the second half against FC Tucson in their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s defender Reece Kilpin (5) goes to turf after losing a battle for the ball to FC Tucson's defender Duvan Canchila (14) in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s forward Uriel Sanchez (7) and FC Tucson's defender Elliot Forestier (3) get tangled up chasing the ball in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s midfielder Martin Garcia (21), left, and FC Tucson's midfielder Luke Kawabe (8) go down after tussling for possession in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s defender Carson Hammond (2) takes a stab and stops FC Tucson's forward James Jennings’ (11) run up the touchline in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9) tries to fight his way out of the grip of AMSG’s defender Carson Hammond (2) late in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's midfielder William Arnesen (7) launches his shot for FCT’s second goal of the night late in the second half against AMSG in their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9), left, and AMSG’s defender Reece Kilpin (5) lunge for control in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
AMSG’s defender Reece Kilpin (5) gets a handful of jersey trying to stop FC Tucson's forward Paul Caliri (9) from breaking past him and forward Uriel Sanchez (7) in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., July 9, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Photos: FC Tucson slips past Ventura County 2-1, US League 2 action
FC Tucson's goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff (29) palms away a close range strike from Ventura County's Fletcher Bank (14) to to keep FCT’s one-goal lead late in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024. Tucson became the first team to take full points off of the Fusion with a 2-1 win.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's defender Thomas Gray (5), left, and defender Elliot Forestier (3) celebrate an exhausting 2-1 win against Ventura County USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's defender Duvan Canchila (14) sends Ventura County's Roberto Apolinar (6) flying while stripping him of the ball in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Nicholas Releford (8) manages an award clearance of a bounding ball in front of FC Tucson's forward Aldair Gomez (23) during the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Elian Agular (77), left, and forward Aldair Gomez (23) celebrate Agular’s goal that opened the scoring on the night against Ventura County in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's midfielder William Arnesen (7) skids to the turf after being clipped from behind by against Ventura County's Palmer Bank (26) at the top of the Fusion box in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's goalkeeper Kashope Oladapo (1) sits on the turf after FC Tucson slipped home the winning goal off his hands in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's Devin Slingsby (21) skips past Ventura County's Nicholas Releford (8) on an offensive drive in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's Devin Slingsby (21) gets the header after the ball shot over Ventura County's Michael Acquah (22) in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's midfielder Brandon Sanchez (31) gets tangled with Ventura County's Erick Serrano (27) trying to get into the Fusion box in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's defender Duvan Canchila (14) brings down the ball in front of Ventura County's Erick Serrano (27) during the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's defender D'andre Pickett (16) out jumps Ventura County's Ocean Salari (21) for a ball along the touchline in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff (29) gets a hand on the ball to steer a shot from Ventura County's Cason Goodman (10) over the bar in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Palmer Bank (26) crashes into FC Tucson's forward Elian Agular (77) chasing the ball in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Erick Serrano (27) grabs FC Tucson's forward Elian Agular (77) to keep him from breaking up the middle in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's midfielder William Arnesen (7) draws contact from a lunging Ventura County goalkeeper Kashope Oladapo (1) in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024. Oladapo earned a yellow card stopping the one-on-one.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Nicholas Releford (8), left, and FC Tucson's forward Aldair Gomez (23) fight for a ball near the touchline in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's forward Aldair Gomez (23) gets foot to the ball between Ventura County's Erick Serrano (27) and Fletcher Bank (14) in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's Luke Kawabe (8) hops over the poke of Ventura County's Mikkel Goeling (25) in the first half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Callen Lewis (4) takes a high swing to bring down the ball in front of a leaping FC Tucson's forward James Jennings (11) in the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's defender Duvan Canchila (14) lunges in to block a shot from Ventura County's Callen Lewis (4) defending their slim lead in stoppage time of the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ventura County's Michael Acquah (22) smothers the cross attempt by FC Tucson's defender Thomas Gray (5) during the second half of their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson's head coach Sebastian Pineda has questions after a collision in the second half against Ventura County in their USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 28, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Photos: FC Tucson shut out SOCAL Eagles 6-0, USL League 2
Southern California's Adalid Oregon-Diaz (15), left, clashes with FC Tucson forward Aldair Gomez (23) on a corner kick in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024. FC Tucson rolled over the Eagles 6-0.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson center forward Elian Aguilar (77) has time and space to shoot, slotting home the game’s first goal during the first half against Southern California in their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Devin Slingsby (21) goes to ground after being knocked around by Southern California's Cooper Clark (5), left and Michael Stull (24) in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Duvan Canchila (14) goes up against Southern California's Michael Blevins (23) for a header in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Ellis Jones (4) just clears the ball from danger between Southern California's Michael Blevins (23), left, and Tyrik Trotman (12) in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's Michael Stull (24), left, and FC Tucson defender Devin Slingsby try to bring down the ball in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff (29) goes over Southern California's Michael Stull (24) to bring down a deflected shot in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's Michael Stull (24) jumps in to poke the ball away from FC Tucson defender Devin Slingsby (21) in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Duvan Canchila (14) surges past Southern California's Prince Chingancheke (16) to get the ball out of danger in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson forward Aldair Gomez (23) reaches through Southern California's George Charles, Jr. (3) to poke the ball away in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff (29) sprawls to gather in a cross across his crease against Southern California in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's Prince Chingancheke (16) pokes the ball from in front of FC Tucson defender Devin Slingsby (21) in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson forward Elian Aguilar (77) jumps in frustration after being called for a foul in winning the ball against Southern California in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Ellis Jones (4) gets a few inches on Southern California's George Charles, Jr. (3) to nod the ball away in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's Cooper Clark (5) comes in from behind to win the header from FC Tucson midfielder William Arnesen (7) in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson midfielder Lars Walczyk (6) inches the ball past the foot of Southern California's Adalid Oregon-Diaz (15) to get in on goal and score in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson midfielder Jerod Allen (18), left, tangles with Southern California's Kristian Colaci (9) for control near midfield in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson forward Imsael Ruiz (20) pushes the ball past the last-second lunge from Southern California's George Charles, Jr. (3) in the half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson midfielder William Arnesen (7) gets his props from the bench after scoring to make it 2-0 against Southern California in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's Prince Chingancheke (16) and FC Tucson defender Thomas Gray (5) fight for a 50-50 ball in the first half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's Brady McNulty (22) stretches all out to knock the ball from FC Tucson forward Aldair Gomez (23) near the Eagle goal in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender Duvan Canchila (14) slides in to block a pass by Southern California's Sebastian Fuentes (11) in the Eagle box in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's goalkeeper Zachary Moore (30) can’t get a glove on the penalty kick by FC Tucson forward Joao Neves (17) in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson midfielder Lars Walczyk (6) chips a shot on goal from in front of Southern California's Ian Pierra (6) in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson forward Aldair Gomez (23), left, gets hugged by midfielder Luke Kawabe (8) and defender Elliot Foretier (3) after scoring late in the second half against Southern California, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Southern California's Chase Buchert (19) slides in with the last second block of a cross from FC Tucson forward Joao Neves (17) in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson forward Aldair Gomez (23) hops over the late sliding tackle attempt by Southern California's Chase Buchert (19) along the touchline in the second half of their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson defender D'andre Pickett (16) heads the ball back over Southern California's Trey McBride (21) late in the second half of a 6-0 win over the Eagles in their USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson midfielder Jerod Allen (18) takes a few minutes before entering the pitch for the team’s warm-ups prior to taking on Southern California for a USL League 2 match, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson staffer Brenda Coutino fights the evening’s high winds to help secure the flags decorating the east stands for the team’s match against Southern California in an USL League 2 game, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
FC Tucson head coach Sebastian Pineda makes some adjustments to the offensive formation in the first half against Southern California, Tucson, Ariz., June 21, 2024.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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