FC Tucson continued it’s stingy defense and found a way to get a late equalizer to keep its USL League One playoff hopes alive.
Tyler Allen found Fernando Garcia with a low cross in the box in added time, and Garcia slotted it home in the 91st minute to leave Tucson and South Georgia Tormenta FC level at 1-1 in the final game at Eagle Field at Erk Russell Park in Statesboro, Georgia, Friday night.
It was Garcia’s third goal of the season, and came after he replaced Tarn Weir in the 80th minute. Allen was also came off the bench in the 76th minute.
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The play was set up by a perfect pass off the outside of his foot by Daniel Bedoya out of the midfield to find a streaking Allen who beat his defender down the right side.
And that's in the back of the net!!!!
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) September 17, 2022
Garcia ties it up in added time.#fuerzatucson 🌵 pic.twitter.com/4RgWcWRujh
Tormenta had gone ahead in the 76th minute on a free kick from Mukwelle Akale.
Tucson held a 22-14 shot advantage and held 54% of the possession.
Carlos Merancio made five saves, including a couple diving stops to keep the game scoreless for the first 75 minutes. Tucson (6-12-6, 24 points) has given up just one goal in the last 270 minutes.
Merancio is just THAT good.#fuerzatucson 🌵 | #TRMvTUC pic.twitter.com/3NcemSpDLU
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) September 17, 2022
Tormenta (10-9-7, 37 points) sits fourth in the league, two behind Greenville Triumphy SC and one ahead of the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
QUOTES
- “I thought it was a really excellent performance from us. They had a moment of brilliance. Their best player was their goalkeeper, TJ Busch. But we stayed on it. I couldn’t be more pleased with our effort – in an away match against a fourth-place team.” – FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman
- “Yea, we’ve made it more difficult (to make the playoffs) but I’m really proud of the guys. We’re really finding our stride. I’m disappointed not to get the three points, but really happy with the resiliancy.” – Pearlman
Tucson return home on Tuesday, Sept. 20, for a makeup match against North Carolina FC (BUY TICKETS) and then will be at Kino again on Saturday, Sept. 24, against Chattanooga (BUY TICKETS) in a match presented by RIGHTSURE Insurance.
