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Two goals in the final five minutes on Saturday night helped FC Tucson pull off one of the greater comebacks in club history and gain some revenge on the road against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

Daniel Bedoya converted a penalty in the 86th minute and Shak Adams added another goal three minutes later to help the Men in Black rally from two goals down to walk away with a 2-2 draw at CHI Memorial Stadium.

Two goals in the final five minutes on Saturday night helped FC Tucson pull off one of the greater comebacks in club history and gain some revenge on the road against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

Daniel Bedoya converted a penalty in the 86th minute and Shak Adams added another goal three minutes later to help the Men in Black rally from two goals down to walk away with a 2-2 draw at CHI Memorial Stadium.

It was the second straight game in which Tucson picked up a point or more since Jon Pearlman took over as coach. The club claimed a 2-1 home win over Fort Lauderdale CF on July 3 in Pearlman’s first game.

The Red Wolves, who defeated FC Tucson 3-2 with a late winner in their confrontation at Kino North Stadium on June 12, came out early looking for another win against the Men in Black. Juan Galindrez hit the crossbar in the 13th minute and then, after an hour-long break due to lightning, Ricky Ruiz drew first blood when his left-footer along the ground found the back right corner in the 34th minute.

Chattanooga doubled the lead when Galindrez looped in a header from a difficult angle in the 64th minute.

But Tucson would not shaken and, after a trio of substitutions in the 78th minute, they found the breakthrough they needed when Tobenna Uzo was fouled in the penalty area.

Bedoya stepped up and sent the ball to keeper TIm Trilk’s right while the Red Wolf dove in the opposite direction to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 86th minute. It was Bedoya’s first goal of the season.

It was the second straight game in which Tucson picked up a point or more since Jon Pearlman took over as coach. The club claimed a 2-1 home win over Fort Lauderdale CF on July 3 in Pearlman’s first game.

The Red Wolves, who defeated FC Tucson 3-2 with a late winner in their confrontation at Kino North Stadium on June 12, came out early looking for another win against the Men in Black. Juan Galindrez hit the crossbar in the 13th minute and then, after an hour-long break due to lightning, Ricky Ruiz drew first blood when his left-footer along the ground found the back right corner in the 34th minute.

Chattanooga doubled the lead when Galindrez looped in a header from a difficult angle in the 64th minute.

But Tucson would not shaken and, after a trio of substitutions in the 78th minute, they found the breakthrough they needed when Tobenna Uzo was fouled in the penalty area.

Bedoya stepped up and sent the ball to keeper TIm Trilk’s right while the Red Wolf dove in the opposite direction to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 86th minute. It was Bedoya’s first goal of the season.

Adams secured goal No. 2 on the season for him and earned Tucson a point in the 89th minute when he completed a nice turn near midfield and a long run with a right-footed blast from long range to make it 2-2.

FC Tucson (3-4-4 with 13 points), returns to Kino North Stadium on Saturday, July 17, to take on New England Revolution II. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Chattanooga is 5-1-4.

Adams secured goal No. 2 on the season for him and earned Tucson a point in the 89th minute when he completed a nice turn near midfield and a long run with a right-footed blast from long range to make it 2-2.

FC Tucson (3-4-4 with 13 points), returns to Kino North Stadium on Saturday, July 17, to take on New England Revolution II. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Chattanooga is 5-1-4.

When FC Tucson heads to Tennessee Friday, the club will do so with some additional offensive firepower and a little newfound confidence.

Buoyoed by the signing of forward Toby Uzo and coming off a win in the first game under interim head coach Jon Pearlman, Tucson will also see the return of midfielder João Delgado for Saturday night's matchup against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at CHI Memorial Stadium. The USL League One matchup will kickoff at 5 pm PT and stream live on ESPN+.

RELATED: CHAvTUC Match Center

Uzo and Delgado join an offense that also features midfielders Charlie Dennis and Manu Ferriol, who both earned league Team of the Week honors for their efforts in a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale CF this past weekend. Deri Corfe and Shak Adams up top and Jared Odenbeck and Danny Bedoya in the midfield give Pearlman plenty of options.

"It's a really deep group, with different types of players," said Pearlman. "From wide positions, you can get three or four very unique looks.

"When we're right, we can beat you in a number of different ways. If we get all our pieces clicking," said Pearlman, "there's no where to hide."

When FC Tucson heads to Tennessee Friday, the club will do so with some additional offensive firepower and a little newfound confidence.

Buoyoed by the signing of forward Toby Uzo and coming off a win in the first game under interim head coach Jon Pearlman, Tucson will also see the return of midfielder João Delgado for Saturday night’s matchup against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at CHI Memorial Stadium. The USL League One matchup will kickoff at 5 pm PT and stream live on ESPN+.

RELATED: CHAvTUC Match Center

Uzo and Delgado join an offense that also features midfielders Charlie Dennis and Manu Ferriol, who both earned league Team of the Week honors for their efforts in a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale CF this past weekend. Deri Corfe and Shak Adams up top and Jared Odenbeck and Danny Bedoya in the midfield give Pearlman plenty of options.

“It’s a really deep group, with different types of players,” said Pearlman. “From wide positions, you can get three or four very unique looks.

“When we’re right, we can beat you in a number of different ways. If we get all our pieces clicking,” said Pearlman, “there’s no where to hide.”

In the first meeting with Chattanooga on June 12, Tucson went down in a 2-0 first-half hole. Dennis, off the bench, rallied the team with a pair of long-range goals. But Juan Galindrez answered Dennis' second with the game winner just four minutes later — in the 89th minute — to lift the Red Wolves.

Chattanooga is 5-3-3 and sits third in the league at 18 points. The Red Wolves have two games in hand over league leaders Union Omaha and Greenville Triumph SC. 

"They're a really skillfull group of players," said Pearlman. "They can beat you in a number of different ways. They can beat you in the run of play. They can get a spell of possession; they combine very well in small spaces in twos and threes. And they have guys that can come off the bench and absolutely end you, when you think you've gotten their key guys."

RELATED: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Website

Not counting the game-winner against Tucson, which came in the 89th minute, Chattanooga has three goals in 90-plus, including Marky Hernandez depositing a rebound in stoppage time to earn a draw with Omaha last weekend.

In the first meeting with Chattanooga on June 12, Tucson went down in a 2-0 first-half hole. Dennis, off the bench, rallied the team with a pair of long-range goals. But Juan Galindrez answered Dennis’ second with the game winner just four minutes later — in the 89th minute — to lift the Red Wolves.

Chattanooga is 5-3-3 and sits third in the league at 18 points. The Red Wolves have two games in hand over league leaders Union Omaha and Greenville Triumph SC. 

“They’re a really skillfull group of players,” said Pearlman. “They can beat you in a number of different ways. They can beat you in the run of play. They can get a spell of possession; they combine very well in small spaces in twos and threes. And they have guys that can come off the bench and absolutely end you, when you think you’ve gotten their key guys.”

RELATED: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Website

Not counting the game-winner against Tucson, which came in the 89th minute, Chattanooga has three goals in 90-plus, including Marky Hernandez depositing a rebound in stoppage time to earn a draw with Omaha last weekend.

Galindrez leads the team with four goals and was a nominee for USL League One CleerAudio June Player of the Month. Angel Espana has three goals.

Wallis Lapsley extended his league-leading save total to 38 against Fort Lauderdale, including a last-minute dive to clear the ball off the line preserve the three points.

After the Tennessee trip,  Tucson returns home for matchups with New England II (July 17 / tickets) and Omaha (July 24 / tickets) at Kino North. Four points separate Tucson from the cutline just over a third of the way through the 2021 campaign.

"Everybody is focused," said Pearlman. "Everybody knows we're not in the playoffs. So if we're going to make a run, we know that points here and then we have four out of five at home, are massive. This six-game run, after we're done, we're going to see where we're at."

"Ultimately, one game at a time. For us, we have to get points on the road. We have to get points consistently."

Galindrez leads the team with four goals and was a nominee for USL League One CleerAudio June Player of the Month. Angel Espana has three goals.

Wallis Lapsley extended his league-leading save total to 38 against Fort Lauderdale, including a last-minute dive to clear the ball off the line preserve the three points.

After the Tennessee trip,  Tucson returns home for matchups with New England II (July 17 / tickets) and Omaha (July 24 / tickets) at Kino North. Four points separate Tucson from the cutline just over a third of the way through the 2021 campaign.

“Everybody is focused,” said Pearlman. “Everybody knows we’re not in the playoffs. So if we’re going to make a run, we know that points here and then we have four out of five at home, are massive. This six-game run, after we’re done, we’re going to see where we’re at.”

“Ultimately, one game at a time. For us, we have to get points on the road. We have to get points consistently.”

FC Tucson ended its four game winless streak Saturday with a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale CF, and the victory earned the squad two spots on the USL League One Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 13.

Charlie Dennis and Manuel Ferriol were named to the team by virtue of their performances in Tucson's win.

Ferriol came off the bench in the 73rd minute to replace Deri Corfe, who had scored Tucson's first goal. Just a minute later, he deked out one defender and unleashed a right footed shot from outside the box for the game winner.

Ferriol also completed 100% of his passes in the final 16 minutes while winning three of his four duels.

FC Tucson ended its four game winless streak Saturday with a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale CF, and the victory earned the squad two spots on the USL League One Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 13.

Charlie Dennis and Manuel Ferriol were named to the team by virtue of their performances in Tucson’s win.

Ferriol came off the bench in the 73rd minute to replace Deri Corfe, who had scored Tucson’s first goal. Just a minute later, he deked out one defender and unleashed a right footed shot from outside the box for the game winner.

Ferriol also completed 100% of his passes in the final 16 minutes while winning three of his four duels.

Dennis got the Tucson energized right off the bat with a blast off the post inside the first minute.

He assisted on Ferriol's game-winner, one of six chances he created. Dennis led all players in the match with 10 duels won, drew five fouls, and passed at a 95% success rate.

Dennis also hit the post in the 41st minute that nearly gave Tucson a 2-0 lead.

Dennis got the Tucson energized right off the bat with a blast off the post inside the first minute.

He assisted on Ferriol’s game-winner, one of six chances he created. Dennis led all players in the match with 10 duels won, drew five fouls, and passed at a 95% success rate.

Dennis also hit the post in the 41st minute that nearly gave Tucson a 2-0 lead.

On a Salute Our Troops night that finished with the barrage of fireworks, new FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman gave all the praise to his team following a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale CF 2-1.

Manu Ferriol's 74th-minute game-winner lifted Tucson on Saturday night at Kino North Stadium.

RELATED: Match Center

Celebrations were all around — pregame events honored U.S. soldiers, postgame fireworks celebrated the country’s anniversary, and 90 minutes of soccer celebrated the return of Pearlman, who coached the team during its PDL days in 2017.

Pearlman replaced John Galas as FC Tucson’s interim coach on Tuesday.

From the very start, Tucson was on the attack. And they almost broke through in the first minute when Charlie Dennis’ curling shot from 20 yards pummeled the bar and denied him a third goal of the season.

Throughout the match, Tucson was denied by the woodwork three times. But its assault continued and was rewarded in the 34th minute when Deri Corfe ripped a grass-cutter shot that found the lower right corner of the net.

On a Salute Our Troops night that finished with the barrage of fireworks, new FC Tucson coach Jon Pearlman gave all the praise to his team following a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale CF 2-1.

Manu Ferriol’s 74th-minute game-winner lifted Tucson on Saturday night at Kino North Stadium.

RELATED: Match Center

Celebrations were all around — pregame events honored U.S. soldiers, postgame fireworks celebrated the country’s anniversary, and 90 minutes of soccer celebrated the return of Pearlman, who coached the team during its PDL days in 2017.

Pearlman replaced John Galas as FC Tucson’s interim coach on Tuesday.

From the very start, Tucson was on the attack. And they almost broke through in the first minute when Charlie Dennis’ curling shot from 20 yards pummeled the bar and denied him a third goal of the season.

Throughout the match, Tucson was denied by the woodwork three times. But its assault continued and was rewarded in the 34th minute when Deri Corfe ripped a grass-cutter shot that found the lower right corner of the net.

Tucson held its 1-0 lead at the break. But a mistake in the back early in the second half set up a dribbler that Fort Lauderdale’s Edinson Azona scored in the 48th minute to tie the score.

One of the astute substitutions made by Pearlman in the second half proved to be an instant success. Just one minute after being brought on in the 73rd minute, Ferriol rocketed in a shot that was so powerful it went through the netting to give FC Tucson the lead again, 2-1.

Tucson held its 1-0 lead at the break. But a mistake in the back early in the second half set up a dribbler that Fort Lauderdale’s Edinson Azona scored in the 48th minute to tie the score.

One of the astute substitutions made by Pearlman in the second half proved to be an instant success. Just one minute after being brought on in the 73rd minute, Ferriol rocketed in a shot that was so powerful it went through the netting to give FC Tucson the lead again, 2-1.

“This means everything really,” said Pearlman, who led FC Tucson to a division title in 2017. “This belongs to the players, the people, the fans, and really to my staff.

“I feel like we are understanding what we want, which is really hard work. We can’t change everything at once.”

The next chance to see those changes will be Saturday, July 10, on the road against the Chattanooga Red Wolves. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT at CHI Memorial Stadium (ESPN+).

“This means everything really,” said Pearlman, who led FC Tucson to a division title in 2017. “This belongs to the players, the people, the fans, and really to my staff.

“I feel like we are understanding what we want, which is really hard work. We can’t change everything at once.”

The next chance to see those changes will be Saturday, July 10, on the road against the Chattanooga Red Wolves. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT at CHI Memorial Stadium (ESPN+).

FC Tucson announced today the signing of forward Tobenna (Toby) Uzo.

The 26-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria, won the USL Championship 'Goal of the Year' in back-to-back seasons playing for FC Tulsa. Most recently, he was playing for FC Arizona in the National Premier Soccer League, where he had eight goals in eight games this year.

The 6-foot-4 Uzo will be eligible to be included in lineup for Saturday's USL League One matchup against Fort Lauderdale (7 p.m., Kino North Field, ESPN+), although the roster for the match has not been determined.

FC Tucson announced today the signing of forward Tobenna (Toby) Uzo.

The 26-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria, won the USL Championship ‘Goal of the Year’ in back-to-back seasons playing for FC Tulsa. Most recently, he was playing for FC Arizona in the National Premier Soccer League, where he had eight goals in eight games this year.

The 6-foot-4 Uzo will be eligible to be included in lineup for Saturday’s USL League One matchup against Fort Lauderdale (7 p.m., Kino North Field, ESPN+), although the roster for the match has not been determined.

Uzo was drafted by Orlando City SC in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, but did not sign. He started with Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the NPSL in 2016, scoring 17 goals in 24 games. Uzo joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the USL Championship in 2017. He then played with Tulsa in 2019-20, and has eight goals over his time in USL Championship.

He credited his older brother Uchenna, whom he played with at FC Arizona and is now a youth club coach, with connecting him with Pearlman.

"The football is amazing watching them play," said Toby Uzo of FC Tucson, "and it happened to be my brother knew somebody at the right place at the right time."

"I'm very excited for Toby to sign with FC Tucson," said FC Arizona owner Jamie Landreman. "FC Tucson is lucky to have a player that is a proven leader on the field and commands a physical presence. Toby has shown such special talent since he came to FC Arizona, we knew he would be picked up quickly by a higher league, again. We wish Toby every success on his new journey."  

Uzo was drafted by Orlando City SC in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, but did not sign. He started with Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the NPSL in 2016, scoring 17 goals in 24 games. Uzo joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the USL Championship in 2017. He then played with Tulsa in 2019-20, and has eight goals over his time in USL Championship.

He credited his older brother Uchenna, whom he played with at FC Arizona and is now a youth club coach, with connecting him with Pearlman.

“The football is amazing watching them play,” said Toby Uzo of FC Tucson, “and it happened to be my brother knew somebody at the right place at the right time.”

“I’m very excited for Toby to sign with FC Tucson,” said FC Arizona owner Jamie Landreman. “FC Tucson is lucky to have a player that is a proven leader on the field and commands a physical presence. Toby has shown such special talent since he came to FC Arizona, we knew he would be picked up quickly by a higher league, again. We wish Toby every success on his new journey.”  

"Tony brings USL championship experience and goal scoring experience," said Jon Pearlman, FC Tucson vice president of soccer operations and interim head coach. "Toby brings a physical presence – he's very good on dead ball situations, but he also opens up spaces for other players, and really gives us a target nine and a different look than we've had."

"Most importantly, this is a guy of outstanding character and really is a team first guy," said Pearlman, "and that's really what we're looking to continue to build on."

Uzo said that's a role he embraces.

"That's what I'm known for," said Uzo of his physical presence in the box. "That and uplifting the people that are playing around me – my teammates. Both on the field and off the field. Whether I'm getting one minute on the field or on the bench or in the stands, I'm all for the team-first mentality."

“Tony brings USL championship experience and goal scoring experience,” said Jon Pearlman, FC Tucson vice president of soccer operations and interim head coach. “Toby brings a physical presence – he’s very good on dead ball situations, but he also opens up spaces for other players, and really gives us a target nine and a different look than we’ve had.”

“Most importantly, this is a guy of outstanding character and really is a team first guy,” said Pearlman, “and that’s really what we’re looking to continue to build on.”

Uzo said that’s a role he embraces.

“That’s what I’m known for,” said Uzo of his physical presence in the box. “That and uplifting the people that are playing around me – my teammates. Both on the field and off the field. Whether I’m getting one minute on the field or on the bench or in the stands, I’m all for the team-first mentality.”