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For more than 12 years, Tucson has been the kickoff point for a plethora of Major League Soccer clubs. It's been a bit of a good luck charm, too. In the last 10 years, a team that has trained here has gone on to reach the MLS Cup.

The early tests against good competition and the amenities Tucson provide is what keeps the teams coming back.

"The facilities here are fantastic, the fields are great," said Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser. "Everything in Tucson is fantastic.

"When you set out your preseason plans, the first thing is who's going to be there? Who can we get games with? Because as we make our way through preseason, we have benchmarks of what we're trying to achieve. You can't get a handle on how you're doing without playing some competition."

That level of competition was on display Tuesday night at Hotel Congress, as four MLS coaches gathered together for a press conference to kick off the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. 

Giovanni Savarese, Fraser, Pablo Mastroeni and Brian Schmetzer came together for a half-hour question-and-answer session that covered everything from how they work with the new generation of younger players to what they see as the next evolution of the league. 

The evening was presented by Rio Nuevo. 

With Schmetzer at the reins, the Sounders have won the 2016 and 2019 titles, and were MLS runner-up n 2017 and 2020. 

"My job as a coach, as a manger is to get the best out of people," said Schmetzer. "Whether you're in a corporate job or a soccer job or any sort of management job, you just want to make sure that the people that work with you maximize their talents."

Under Savarese, the TImbers have appeared in the MLS Cup finals in 2018 and 2021. Losing this year's final on penalty kicks to New York City FC. 

"For all of us, even if we did well last year, we all want to be competitive," said Savarese. "Preseason is a very important part of making sure that we put everything on the players for what they're going to give us during the year." 

The Sounders and Timbers will play the first match in the preseason tournament on Wednesday (Kino North Stadium, 7 p.m., BUY TICKETS).

For more than 12 years, Tucson has been the kickoff point for a plethora of Major League Soccer clubs. It’s been a bit of a good luck charm, too. In the last 10 years, a team that has trained here has gone on to reach the MLS Cup.

The early tests against good competition and the amenities Tucson provide is what keeps the teams coming back.

“The facilities here are fantastic, the fields are great,” said Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser. “Everything in Tucson is fantastic.

“When you set out your preseason plans, the first thing is who’s going to be there? Who can we get games with? Because as we make our way through preseason, we have benchmarks of what we’re trying to achieve. You can’t get a handle on how you’re doing without playing some competition.”

That level of competition was on display Tuesday night at Hotel Congress, as four MLS coaches gathered together for a press conference to kick off the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. 

Giovanni Savarese, Fraser, Pablo Mastroeni and Brian Schmetzer came together for a half-hour question-and-answer session that covered everything from how they work with the new generation of younger players to what they see as the next evolution of the league. 

The evening was presented by Rio Nuevo. 

With Schmetzer at the reins, the Sounders have won the 2016 and 2019 titles, and were MLS runner-up n 2017 and 2020. 

“My job as a coach, as a manger is to get the best out of people,” said Schmetzer. “Whether you’re in a corporate job or a soccer job or any sort of management job, you just want to make sure that the people that work with you maximize their talents.”

Under Savarese, the TImbers have appeared in the MLS Cup finals in 2018 and 2021. Losing this year’s final on penalty kicks to New York City FC. 

“For all of us, even if we did well last year, we all want to be competitive,” said Savarese. “Preseason is a very important part of making sure that we put everything on the players for what they’re going to give us during the year.” 

The Sounders and Timbers will play the first match in the preseason tournament on Wednesday (Kino North Stadium, 7 p.m., BUY TICKETS).

Robin Fraser led the Colorado Rapids to the best record in the Western Conference in the 2021 season. He took the reins in the middle of 2019, nearly taking the team to the postseason. The Rapids improved to fifth in the conference in 2020 before grabbing the top spot in the 2021 regular-season. 

"This year it feels like our starting point is ahead of where it's been," said Fraser. "I feel like this is the first year that I felt like we kind of jumped in where we left off last year." 

The Rapids will take on Sporting KC at Kino North Stadium on Saturday,  Jan. 29 (BUY TICKETS) and the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, Feb. 4 (BUY TICKETS).

Mastroeni was named interim head coach of Real Salt Lake in the middle of the 2021 season. He led RSL to the Western Conference playoffs with a late-season push that included qualifying on the final day. The club went on to upset Seattle and Sporting KC before falling to Portland. 

After his successes, Mastroeni was named permanent head coach of RSL for 2022. 

"Having had a crazy run to end last season was really about coming back into preseason and trying to pick up where we left off," said Mastroeni. "We have a new ownership group that are driving a lot of momentum, and it's so important that we get back and find that energy and that drive from day one." 

The Desert Showcase will continue with USL teams coming to the region in February as well as a series of Watch Parties for he final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men's National Team. 

Robin Fraser led the Colorado Rapids to the best record in the Western Conference in the 2021 season. He took the reins in the middle of 2019, nearly taking the team to the postseason. The Rapids improved to fifth in the conference in 2020 before grabbing the top spot in the 2021 regular-season. 

“This year it feels like our starting point is ahead of where it’s been,” said Fraser. “I feel like this is the first year that I felt like we kind of jumped in where we left off last year.” 

The Rapids will take on Sporting KC at Kino North Stadium on Saturday,  Jan. 29 (BUY TICKETS) and the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, Feb. 4 (BUY TICKETS).

Mastroeni was named interim head coach of Real Salt Lake in the middle of the 2021 season. He led RSL to the Western Conference playoffs with a late-season push that included qualifying on the final day. The club went on to upset Seattle and Sporting KC before falling to Portland. 

After his successes, Mastroeni was named permanent head coach of RSL for 2022. 

“Having had a crazy run to end last season was really about coming back into preseason and trying to pick up where we left off,” said Mastroeni. “We have a new ownership group that are driving a lot of momentum, and it’s so important that we get back and find that energy and that drive from day one.” 

The Desert Showcase will continue with USL teams coming to the region in February as well as a series of Watch Parties for he final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team. 

Coming off the heels of a tight 3-3 draw with Greenville Triumph SC Sunday, FC Tucson had two players named to USL League One's Team of the Week presented by Cleer Audio for Week 24. 

Midfielder Charlie Dennis was named USL League One Player of the Week after scoring a hat trick at South Carolina's Legacy Early College. 

Defender Maxi Schenfeld joins Dennis on the Team of the Week. 

RELATED: Charlie Dennis Helps Extend Unbeaten Streak 

Dennis opened the scoring early in the first half when he knocked in a pass from defender Noah Franke. 

Coming off the heels of a tight 3-3 draw with Greenville Triumph SC Sunday, FC Tucson had two players named to USL League One’s Team of the Week presented by Cleer Audio for Week 24. 

Midfielder Charlie Dennis was named USL League One Player of the Week after scoring a hat trick at South Carolina’s Legacy Early College. 

Defender Maxi Schenfeld joins Dennis on the Team of the Week. 

RELATED: Charlie Dennis Helps Extend Unbeaten Streak 

Dennis opened the scoring early in the first half when he knocked in a pass from defender Noah Franke. 

Maximilliano Schenfeld had a great run into Greenville's box late in the first half. He was fouled and a penalty was awarded to FC Tucson.

 

Maximilliano Schenfeld had a great run into Greenville’s box late in the first half. He was fouled and a penalty was awarded to FC Tucson.

 

Schenfeld also had a great game defensively with three tackles, five clearances, and two interceptions. 

Dennis converted the penalty kick, and then scored his third of the night after heading in a cross from Joao Delgado. 

Schenfeld also had a great game defensively with three tackles, five clearances, and two interceptions. 

Dennis converted the penalty kick, and then scored his third of the night after heading in a cross from Joao Delgado. 

FC Tucson (8-8-6) are on the road again next weekend as it heads to Nebraska for a matchup with Union Omaha (10-2-8). Kickoff is at 8 p.m. on Saturday and can be streamed on ESPN+.

FC Tucson (8-8-6) are on the road again next weekend as it heads to Nebraska for a matchup with Union Omaha (10-2-8). Kickoff is at 8 p.m. on Saturday and can be streamed on ESPN+.

FC Tucson has released the 'El Jefe' culture kit for purchase online. The jersey was part of the USL League One's locally-inspired Culture Collection project that the league rolled out in March. The 'El Jefe' kit is inspired by Tucson's scenic views and inspired by our own supporter, Ramses Abud. 

Fan's can purchase the player's gradient version, the goalkeeper version, and a scarf now at the club's online store. There is a limited stock of each item, once they're gone then they're gone. 

RELATED: Team Store

FC Tucson will wear the jersey on Oct. 2 for Southern Arizona Heritage Night. The club will face North Texas SC at Kino North Stadium, kickoff is at 7 p.m.

FC Tucson has released the ‘El Jefe’ culture kit for purchase online. The jersey was part of the USL League One’s locally-inspired Culture Collection project that the league rolled out in March. The ‘El Jefe’ kit is inspired by Tucson’s scenic views and inspired by our own supporter, Ramses Abud. 

Fan’s can purchase the player’s gradient version, the goalkeeper version, and a scarf now at the club’s online store. There is a limited stock of each item, once they’re gone then they’re gone. 

RELATED: Team Store

FC Tucson will wear the jersey on Oct. 2 for Southern Arizona Heritage Night. The club will face North Texas SC at Kino North Stadium, kickoff is at 7 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 22, 2021) — FC Tucson announced today that the club has signed former FC Tulsa and Miami FC defender Maximiliano “Maxi” Schenfeld, pending league and federation approval. 

“Maxi is an experienced, versatile attacking left-back that we are delighted to welcome to the club,” said Head Coach John Galas. “He brings a wealth of experience to our group and we fully expect him to immediately contribute to our team winning matches this year.”

Schenfeld, 28, joined FC Tulsa in December of 2019, although did not make a regular-season appearance during the 2020 USL Championship season. The Chilean native spent the 2019 season with Miami FC, helping the Florida club to its 2019 East Coast Championship win. Prior to joining Miami FC, Schenfeld spent the 2018 season with Miami United FC, playing 270 minutes in the club’s fourth-round US Open Cup run.

“I am really happy to join FC Tucson,” said Maxi Schenfeld. “When I heard about the chance of coming here I did not doubt it. It is a very important year for everybody after the pandemic and my goal for this season is to build a winning mentality within the team to be able to compete and fight for important things in USL League One.”

The Chilean-born defender began his youth career with Argentinian clubs Banfield, Tigre, and Platense. Schenfeld played his collegiate soccer in the U.S. at Florida Memorial University and Florida National University. As a senior with Florida National, Schenfeld started 12 of 16 games, earning USCAA All-American first team and USCAA All-Tournament team honors as he led his team to the 2018-2019 USCAA National Championship.

Maximiliano Schenfeld 

Country: Chile

Born: October 18, 1992 (29)

Position: Defender

Height: 5 ft 7

Weight: 163 lbs

Previous Club: FC Tulsa

FC Tucson will begin its third season in USL League One with an away match against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, May 1 before returning to Kino North Stadium on Saturday, May 8 for the club’s Home Opener.  Fans can secure their season ticket membership by visiting https://www.fctucson.com/tickets.

FC Tucson forward Gio Calixtro has been named to USL League One’s annual watchlist of Top 10 Young Players to Watch in 2021. The Oregon native is age-eligible to win League One’s Young Player of the Year Award. To qualify for this list, players had to be born on or after January 1, 1999.

Calixtro is a product of the Portland Timbers Academy, and though only 20, already has more than 50 professional appearances and nine goals to his name from his time with Portland Timbers 2 in the USL Championship. Calixtro brings four years of USL Championship experience to FC Tucson since making his professional debut at 16-years-old for the Portland Timbers 2 on June 11, 2017, against Real Monarchs. 

Calixtro is the youngest player in T2 history to score two goals in a game (18 years, 9 months, 3 days), registering a brace on March 30, 2019, against LA Galaxy II.

Tucson’s professional soccer club connects with fans and the community through a roving caravan of fanfare and community service. 

TUCSON, AZ (April 20, 2021)—FC Tucson is taking it to the streets one Barrio at a time. As the club prepares to welcome fans back to games for the 2021 season, FC Tucson announces Barrio 2 Barrio, a series of open-air and socially distanced block parties hosted in different neighborhoods around Tucson. Complete with family-friendly games, player appearances, food trucks, music and more, events will run from April 24 through the end of May 2021. 

The first Barrio 2 Barrio event takes place April 24 at the MSA Annex in the Menlo Park neighborhood from 12pm to 2pm. 

“After a year of no fans in stands, it’s exciting to start safely regathering together,” said Amanda Powers, President of FC Tucson. Powers led the club through an unprecedented 2020 season of fan-free competition during her inaugural year as President, and is looking forward to safely welcoming back the community to live soccer at Kino Sports Complex. 

“Barrio 2 Barrio is our chance to celebrate the Tucson community and connect with them in a way that was impossible only a year ago,” continued Powers. “From stands to streets, we get to cheer in person and see faces again. It’s so exciting.” 

The Barrio 2 Barrio mobile caravan of FC Tucson branded vehicles will cruise through the barrios of Tucson, all in collaboration with community organizations, various neighborhood associations, and City and County officials. Each caravan will start and finish up in a designated neighborhood location for a socially distanced pop up barrio block party that will allow for community members to play, network, connect, and find joy through the beautiful game. 

Barrio 2 Barrio events will include: 

• Tifo Painting Station: Become a fan & paint a Tifo piece of art that will represent your Barrio during all FC Tucson home games.
• Inflatable Soccer Cage
• Fun Challenge Games 
• Player Appearances & Autographs
• Food Trucks
• Music
• Contests & Giveaways
• FC Tucson Swag & Merchandise

Barrio 2 Barrio Schedule: 

• April 24 Menlo Park (MSA Annex)
• May 1st Rillito Park 
• May 15th Desert View High School
• May 29th City of South Tucson (Cafe Santa Rosa)

For tickets, visit https://www.fctucson.com/tickets 

For schedule, visit https://www.fctucson.com/schedule2021

For more information on FC Tucson, visit www.fctucson.com.