FC Tucson’s Sunday match against Colorado Rapids U23 turned into a battle of defense at Kino North Stadium on Sunday night.
The visiting team found a way to finally penetrate the back line and Colorado’s Griffin Dorsey scored on a close-range shot for the lead, but FC Tucson’s Damian German responded with a short-range shot of his own, assisted by Daisule Takanaka.
The game ended in a draw at 1-1.
Prior to Sunday’s game, the Men in Black dropped a road game at Albuquerque Sol FC 4-2 Friday.
FC Tucson is now 5-3-1 in PDL play this season.
The Men in Black will see a two-week break in the season before coming back to host their last home game against Albuquerque Sol on July 3. It will be the third of four games against Albuquerque this season.
The first half saw plenty of action Sunday, even if neither team could find the net.
FC Tucson coach Dave Cosgrove decided to put in Takanaka in the 41st minute. Cosgrove usually saves him for the end of games as a way to bring a tired offense back to life.
A few minutes after Takanaka entered, Angel Heredia took a free kick near the corner flag and sent it toward the goal, but it was saved by Colorado’s keeper.
Takanaka attempted a shot in the 43rd minute, but it too was saved.
Shortly after the second half started, FC Tucson had a handful of opportunities to score, accentuated by three straight shots in the 60th minute, but all of them were blocked in the box.
After Colorado Rapids’ goal, things got a little heated on the field.
Within a 10-minute span, three players were given cautions — two from FC Tucson and one Rapids player.
During stoppage time, Colorado’s Sam Raben was given his second caution and ejected from the game.
Corner Kicks
The FC Tucson Women edged out LA Galaxy 1-0 on the road thanks to a goal by Trina Ferguson, with an assist by Jill Aguilera.
The win pulled FC Tucson even with the LA Galaxy in points (12), but they remain in second due to point differential.
