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The Cascadia rivalry is coming to Southern Arizona.

One of Major League Soccer’s fiercest derbies has been added as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, as the Portland Timbers officially committed to the event Wednesday.

The Timbers will play Seattle Sounders FC on Jan. 26 at Kino North Stadium (7 p.m.), and will train in Tucson from Jan. 20-Feb. 5. The Timbers will replace Real Salt Lake as the Sounders’ opponent.

Due to scheduling logistics and technical considerations, Real Salt Lake has opted out of playing a preseason friendly. RSL will still come to Tucson to train from Jan. 21-Feb. 3. Fans who have purchased tickets to the RSL-Seattle matchup and the ticket package will have the option to substitute in the Portland-Seattle.

BUY TICKETS: Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers

“Not only has Portland and Seattle been one of Major League Soccer’s biggest rivalries for nearly two decades, but they’ve been a significant part of our preseason event,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “We are very fortunate to have a club the caliber of the Timbers as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, and the step in to play Seattle as our kickoff game is a huge win for soccer fans in the region.”

Portland and Seattle have been regional rivals dating to their days in the old North American Soccer League, beginning in 1975, and that has carried through the various leagues the teams have been part of. It’s continued in the MLS, where the Sounders have won the championship twice (2016 and 2019) and the Timbers won in 2015. The two teams have accounted for the last seven Western Conference champions, with Portland reaching the MLS Cup this season, losing on penalty kicks to NYCFC.

The two annually play for the Cascadia Cup, named for the region that also encompasses Vancouver.

Their matchups have extended to the Arizona, where both teams have significant fanbases.

Seattle and Portland have been both frequent participants in the MLS preseason in Tucson. They’ve played each other six times, including a 1-1 draw in 2017 before more than 4,000 fans at Kino. Seattle won 2-1 in 2018 and Portland won 2-1 in 2019.

Local soccer fans will also get the first chance to see Grand Canyon University product Justin Rasmussen in a Portland Timbers’ uniform. The NCAA All-American defender was a first-round pick by Portland in the MLS Super Draft presented by adidas on Tuesday.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including U.S. versus Mexico on March 24.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy, and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

New for 2022, the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson has expanded to feature training and matches for several top USL Championship and USL League One clubs. Teams and additional games will be announced later this week.

The Cascadia rivalry is coming to Southern Arizona.

One of Major League Soccer’s fiercest derbies has been added as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, as the Portland Timbers officially committed to the event Wednesday.

The Timbers will play Seattle Sounders FC on Jan. 26 at Kino North Stadium (7 p.m.), and will train in Tucson from Jan. 20-Feb. 5. The Timbers will replace Real Salt Lake as the Sounders’ opponent.

Due to scheduling logistics and technical considerations, Real Salt Lake has opted out of playing a preseason friendly. RSL will still come to Tucson to train from Jan. 21-Feb. 3. Fans who have purchased tickets to the RSL-Seattle matchup and the ticket package will have the option to substitute in the Portland-Seattle.

BUY TICKETS: Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers

“Not only has Portland and Seattle been one of Major League Soccer’s biggest rivalries for nearly two decades, but they’ve been a significant part of our preseason event,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “We are very fortunate to have a club the caliber of the Timbers as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, and the step in to play Seattle as our kickoff game is a huge win for soccer fans in the region.”

Portland and Seattle have been regional rivals dating to their days in the old North American Soccer League, beginning in 1975, and that has carried through the various leagues the teams have been part of. It’s continued in the MLS, where the Sounders have won the championship twice (2016 and 2019) and the Timbers won in 2015. The two teams have accounted for the last seven Western Conference champions, with Portland reaching the MLS Cup this season, losing on penalty kicks to NYCFC.

The two annually play for the Cascadia Cup, named for the region that also encompasses Vancouver.

Their matchups have extended to the Arizona, where both teams have significant fanbases.

Seattle and Portland have been both frequent participants in the MLS preseason in Tucson. They’ve played each other six times, including a 1-1 draw in 2017 before more than 4,000 fans at Kino. Seattle won 2-1 in 2018 and Portland won 2-1 in 2019.

Local soccer fans will also get the first chance to see Grand Canyon University product Justin Rasmussen in a Portland Timbers’ uniform. The NCAA All-American defender was a first-round pick by Portland in the MLS Super Draft presented by adidas on Tuesday.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including U.S. versus Mexico on March 24.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy, and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

New for 2022, the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson has expanded to feature training and matches for several top USL Championship and USL League One clubs. Teams and additional games will be announced later this week.

The addition of four USL Championship clubs Thursday will make the 12th edition of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson the biggest and best event to date.

USL Championship clubs El Paso Locomotive FC, FC Tulsa, Louisville City FC and Oakland Roots were announced as part of the expanded event at Kino North Stadium.

“For more than a decade, FC Tucson has hosted top professional soccer teams across the country to train and play in Southern Arizona,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “The USL is one of the fastest growing leagues in the world and the talent level on the rosters has grown exponentially. We are proud to be part of the league and excited to have some of the top clubs in USL as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. These are five premier clubs in the league, and this is a fantastic opportunity for soccer fans in the region.”

All four incoming clubs are coming off appearances in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, and will train and play preseason events in Tucson in February. 

El Paso Locomotive FC won the Mountain Division this past season, going through its home slate undefeated at Southwest University Park in the regular season. FC Tulsa, Oklahoma’s premier pro soccer club, has advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons. Louisville City FC, the 2017 and ‘18 Championship title winners, won the Central Division and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. And Oakland Roots SC qualified for the playoffs in its inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Three Desert Friendly matchups will be part of the showcase:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16: Louisville City FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 20: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tulsa, 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 26: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tucson, TBD

The USL preseason matches will be held on the Kino Grandstand field and tickets will be available on a limited basis for $10.

The USL is North America’s largest professional soccer organization, and includes the USL Championship and USL League One at the professional level and pre-professional division USL League Two.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including the match versus Mexico on March 24.

Already announced are three games among the five MLS teams training and playing in Tucson starting Jan. 26.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

The addition of four USL Championship clubs Thursday will make the 12th edition of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson the biggest and best event to date.

USL Championship clubs El Paso Locomotive FC, FC Tulsa, Louisville City FC and Oakland Roots were announced as part of the expanded event at Kino North Stadium.

“For more than a decade, FC Tucson has hosted top professional soccer teams across the country to train and play in Southern Arizona,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “The USL is one of the fastest growing leagues in the world and the talent level on the rosters has grown exponentially. We are proud to be part of the league and excited to have some of the top clubs in USL as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. These are five premier clubs in the league, and this is a fantastic opportunity for soccer fans in the region.”

All four incoming clubs are coming off appearances in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, and will train and play preseason events in Tucson in February. 

El Paso Locomotive FC won the Mountain Division this past season, going through its home slate undefeated at Southwest University Park in the regular season. FC Tulsa, Oklahoma’s premier pro soccer club, has advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons. Louisville City FC, the 2017 and ‘18 Championship title winners, won the Central Division and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. And Oakland Roots SC qualified for the playoffs in its inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Three Desert Friendly matchups will be part of the showcase:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16: Louisville City FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 20: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tulsa, 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 26: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tucson, TBD

The USL preseason matches will be held on the Kino Grandstand field and tickets will be available on a limited basis for $10.

The USL is North America’s largest professional soccer organization, and includes the USL Championship and USL League One at the professional level and pre-professional division USL League Two.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including the match versus Mexico on March 24.

Already announced are three games among the five MLS teams training and playing in Tucson starting Jan. 26.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs's midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

"João was so critical and it's good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club," FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. "His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns." 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

"We're happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do," said Pearlman. "I know when we do he's going to make an immediate impact." 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019. 

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs’s midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

“João was so critical and it’s good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club,” FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. “His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns.” 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

“We’re happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do,” said Pearlman. “I know when we do he’s going to make an immediate impact.” 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019. 

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs's midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

"João was so critical and it's good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club," FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. "His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns." 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

"We're happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do," said Pearlman. "I know when we do he's going to make an immediate impact." 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019. 

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs’s midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

“João was so critical and it’s good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club,” FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. “His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns.” 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

“We’re happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do,” said Pearlman. “I know when we do he’s going to make an immediate impact.” 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019. 

FC Tucson adds another new face to its defense ahead of the 2022 season with addition of defender Tyler Moss. 

The club announced Tuesday the signing of 23-year-old Moss, previously played collegiate soccer with Sacramento State. 

"This is my first professional contract and I'm excited to come to such a great club," said Moss. "My only plans during the offseason have been to train and get ready for the season." 

Moss joins the club after playing 1,510 total minutes, the highest of any outfield player, and leading the team with six assists in his final year at Sacramento. 

Moss was named Big West All-Academic in his Sophomore and Junior years, and named to the Big West All-Freshman team in his first year. 

FC Tucson adds another new face to its defense ahead of the 2022 season with addition of defender Tyler Moss. 

The club announced Tuesday the signing of 23-year-old Moss, previously played collegiate soccer with Sacramento State. 

“This is my first professional contract and I’m excited to come to such a great club,” said Moss. “My only plans during the offseason have been to train and get ready for the season.” 

Moss joins the club after playing 1,510 total minutes, the highest of any outfield player, and leading the team with six assists in his final year at Sacramento. 

Moss was named Big West All-Academic in his Sophomore and Junior years, and named to the Big West All-Freshman team in his first year. 

The Carmichael, California, native previously played with the Oklahoma City Under-23s and San Francisco Glens SC, both in USL League Two, during his summers off from college. He also played for FC Davis in the National Premier Soccer League. 

He played four games with San Francisco raking up a total of 110 minutes, and made 14 appearances with Oklahoma City for a total of 1,177 minutes and making eight shots. 

"Tyler is a top athlete, an incredible competitor, and I think he can be a top right back in this league," said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. "He comes from a good staff at Sacramento State and I think he's going to be a real asset to our team." 

He is the 10th player on FC Tucson's 2022 roster. He joins returning starters from the 2021 playoff team, center backs Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio, and championship-winning left-back Jake Crull, who signed from Union Omaha. 

The Carmichael, California, native previously played with the Oklahoma City Under-23s and San Francisco Glens SC, both in USL League Two, during his summers off from college. He also played for FC Davis in the National Premier Soccer League. 

He played four games with San Francisco raking up a total of 110 minutes, and made 14 appearances with Oklahoma City for a total of 1,177 minutes and making eight shots. 

“Tyler is a top athlete, an incredible competitor, and I think he can be a top right back in this league,” said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. “He comes from a good staff at Sacramento State and I think he’s going to be a real asset to our team.” 

He is the 10th player on FC Tucson’s 2022 roster. He joins returning starters from the 2021 playoff team, center backs Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio, and championship-winning left-back Jake Crull, who signed from Union Omaha. 

FC Tucson strengthens its defense once again, this time with the addition of a goalkeeper. 

The club announced the signing of 22-year-old Sean Murray Tuesday. 

"I'm excited to meet everyone at the club and help build on last season's success," said Murray.

Murray joins the club after being a four-year starter for Monmouth University. He played all 19 games as a senior, collecting 64 saves and posting a 1.06 Goals Against Average for the Hawks. Murray was named to the All-MAAC Team and was All-MAAC Co-Goalkeeper of the Year as a red-shirt junior for the 2021 season. 

FC Tucson strengthens its defense once again, this time with the addition of a goalkeeper. 

The club announced the signing of 22-year-old Sean Murray Tuesday. 

“I’m excited to meet everyone at the club and help build on last season’s success,” said Murray.

Murray joins the club after being a four-year starter for Monmouth University. He played all 19 games as a senior, collecting 64 saves and posting a 1.06 Goals Against Average for the Hawks. Murray was named to the All-MAAC Team and was All-MAAC Co-Goalkeeper of the Year as a red-shirt junior for the 2021 season. 

The Fanwood, New Jersey, native also played with SC (South Carolina) United Bantams during the 2021 USL League Two season. He made five appearances with SC United Bantams, which finished second in the Deep South Division, with 396 minutes played and 14 saves. 

"Sean was an all-conference player at Monmouth that was recommended by a number of coaches that we respect," said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. "We love his physical profile, his attitude towards the game and we think he's somebody we think can help our team this year and down the road." 

He is the ninth player on FC Tucson's 2022 roster. He joins six returning starters from the 2021 playoff team, two new defenders and returning goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. 

The Fanwood, New Jersey, native also played with SC (South Carolina) United Bantams during the 2021 USL League Two season. He made five appearances with SC United Bantams, which finished second in the Deep South Division, with 396 minutes played and 14 saves. 

“Sean was an all-conference player at Monmouth that was recommended by a number of coaches that we respect,” said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. “We love his physical profile, his attitude towards the game and we think he’s somebody we think can help our team this year and down the road.” 

He is the ninth player on FC Tucson’s 2022 roster. He joins six returning starters from the 2021 playoff team, two new defenders and returning goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. 

Tucson will once again be an epicenter for soccer in 2022 as the longest-running and largest preseason event gets even bigger and better.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including U.S. versus Mexico on March 24.

“For more than a decade, FC Tucson brought some of the best teams in the United States to Tucson,” said Amanda Powers, president of FC Tucson. “With the help of Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo, we are excited about the opportunity to expand this event and show the passion of our region, and bring the community together around the game of soccer.”

"Visit Tucson is proud to present the Desert Showcase and bring the soccer fans to our great city," said J Felipe Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Tucson. "We look forward to teaming with FC Tucson to host this event and show all the fans the wonderful shops, restaurants and hospitality that this region is known for."

“Rio Nuevo is excited to support this first-class sporting event, welcoming the players and fans to come eat and play in beautiful downtown Tucson,” said Rio Nuevo Board member Edmund Marquez. 

FC Tucson and its partners, Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo, will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy, and highlight the chefs and restaurants who make Tucson home. The match day hospitality area will be sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

MLS’s Portland Timbers, Sporting KC, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo and Seattle Sounders will come to Southern Arizona beginning the final weekend of January. Tickets are on sale Thursday for FC Tucson Season Ticket Holders, and will go on sale to the general public Friday.

New for 2022, the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson has expanded to feature training and matches for several top USL Championship and USL League One clubs. Teams and additional games will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tucson will once again be an epicenter for soccer in 2022 as the longest-running and largest preseason event gets even bigger and better.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including U.S. versus Mexico on March 24.

“For more than a decade, FC Tucson brought some of the best teams in the United States to Tucson,” said Amanda Powers, president of FC Tucson. “With the help of Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo, we are excited about the opportunity to expand this event and show the passion of our region, and bring the community together around the game of soccer.”

“Visit Tucson is proud to present the Desert Showcase and bring the soccer fans to our great city,” said J Felipe Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Tucson. “We look forward to teaming with FC Tucson to host this event and show all the fans the wonderful shops, restaurants and hospitality that this region is known for.”

“Rio Nuevo is excited to support this first-class sporting event, welcoming the players and fans to come eat and play in beautiful downtown Tucson,” said Rio Nuevo Board member Edmund Marquez. 

FC Tucson and its partners, Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo, will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy, and highlight the chefs and restaurants who make Tucson home. The match day hospitality area will be sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

MLS’s Portland Timbers, Sporting KC, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo and Seattle Sounders will come to Southern Arizona beginning the final weekend of January. Tickets are on sale Thursday for FC Tucson Season Ticket Holders, and will go on sale to the general public Friday.

New for 2022, the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson has expanded to feature training and matches for several top USL Championship and USL League One clubs. Teams and additional games will be announced in the coming weeks.

---

DESERT SHOWCASE PRESENTED BY VISIT TUCSON

Jan. 26 – Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders FC, 7 pm *
Jan. 29 – Sporting KC vs Colorado Rapids, 4 pm *
Feb. 5 – Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo, 4 pm *

Desert Showcase Package

DESERT SHOWCASE PRESENTED BY VISIT TUCSON

Jan. 26 – Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders FC, 7 pm *
Jan. 29 – Sporting KC vs Colorado Rapids, 4 pm *
Feb. 5 – Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo, 4 pm *

Desert Showcase Package

FC Tucson’s quest to bring a championship to Southern Arizona in 2022 will officially kick off on April 2.

USL League One released the complete schedule for the 2022 regular season on Wednesday, and FC Tucson’s 30-game regular season will start in April and run through October 15. 

SECURE YOUR SEASON TICKETS! | VIEW COMPLETE SCHEDULE

FC Tucson will open the 2022 USL season in Virginia against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, April 2. All matches will be streamed on ESPN+ and HULU. The club will have its home opener on Saturday, April 16 against Forward Madison FC. 

The 2022 schedule features several significant dates for fans to look forward to:

• “520” Day: FC Tucson will host Richmond on Friday, May 20, as the club toasts the local flavor of our great city.
• Pride Night: FC Tucson’s home matchup against Omaha on Saturday, June 11 will be a celebration of inclusivity and equity.
• Independence Day weekend matchup: FC Tucson is home on Sunday, July 3, against Greenville Triumph SC, as fireworks are sure to fly on the pitch and in the sky.
• Tucson celebrates its 247th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 20, and FC Tucson will commemorate the day with a home game against Greenville.
• Southern Arizona Heritage Night will return on Wednesday, Oct. 5, as FC Tucson hosts Central Valley Fuego.

FC Tucson hosts the defending champions Union Omaha twice during 2022: June 11 and for First Responders Night on Sept. 11. The club will travel to Nebraska once (July 16).

In 2021, FC Tucson reached the playoffs for the first time as a professional club, losing to Union Omaha in the USL League One semifinals. 

The 2022 USL League One Playoffs will begin on the weekend of October 21-23. The top six teams in the league will advance, with the first two getting first-round byes. 

The 30-game season will have some big changes, including every team playing each other three times. Teams will either host an opponent twice and travel once, or travel twice and host once. 

This season also sees the debuts of two new West Coast rivals: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC and Central Valley Fuego FC in Fresno, California, join the league as new expansion teams for 2022. Charlotte Independence also joins the league, having dropped down from the USL Championship. 

Tucson will travel to Charlotte once and host the club twice. The new West Coast teams will travel to Tucson once apiece during the season.

In addition, FC Tucson will play in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup between April 5-7. The round will feature winners from the first round of matches between open-division qualifiers, NPSL and USL League Two teams that play March 22-23. The draw for the second-round pairings is scheduled to be held Jan. 26.

FC Tucson continued to build out its defense Tuesday, this time adding a championship-winning left back.

The club announced the signing of defender Jake Crull, who was part of a Union Omaha defense that allowed a league-low 23 goals en route to the 2021 USL League One title. 

"I'm excited for a new challenge in a new location with a new group of guys," Crull said. "With the great facilities that Tucson has, I can't wait for the day-to-day grind on the training ground." 

Crull, a left back, joins the club after playing 1,723 minutes over 23 games for Union Omaha. 

FC Tucson continued to build out its defense Tuesday, this time adding a championship-winning left back.

The club announced the signing of defender Jake Crull, who was part of a Union Omaha defense that allowed a league-low 23 goals en route to the 2021 USL League One title. 

“I’m excited for a new challenge in a new location with a new group of guys,” Crull said. “With the great facilities that Tucson has, I can’t wait for the day-to-day grind on the training ground.” 

Crull, a left back, joins the club after playing 1,723 minutes over 23 games for Union Omaha. 

The 24-year-old Austrian-born American player started his career in 2018 with the Charlotte Eagles of USL League Two. He made 18 appearances and scored one goal for the club. 

He joined Union Omaha in 2020, helping the team reach the USL League One Final. He remained in Omaha for this past season, where he helped the team win the regular-season championship and the playoffs.

Crull was key in the Omaha side that won the final in 2021. He played all 90 minutes of the 3-0 championship win over Greenville Triumph SC, and started and played 67 minutes in the semifinal win over Tucson.

He was second on the team with 55 clearances, and added 23 interceptions while winning 71 of 141 duels.  He had a 81.4% success rate on passes.

"He's capable of playing left-back and left center back," said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. "He's a hardworking player and he's the type of player that matches the culture that we're trying to build in 2022."

Crull said he will be spending the off season with his friends and family. 

"I got married and spent a week in Turks and Caicos," Crull said. "We are soaking up time with family and cherishing every moment with them." 

He is the eighth player on FC Tucson's 2022 roster. The club previously announced the return of six starters from the 2021 playoff team, including center backs Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio. Monday, the team announced the return of former starting goalkeeper Carlos Merancio.

The 24-year-old Austrian-born American player started his career in 2018 with the Charlotte Eagles of USL League Two. He made 18 appearances and scored one goal for the club. 

He joined Union Omaha in 2020, helping the team reach the USL League One Final. He remained in Omaha for this past season, where he helped the team win the regular-season championship and the playoffs.

Crull was key in the Omaha side that won the final in 2021. He played all 90 minutes of the 3-0 championship win over Greenville Triumph SC, and started and played 67 minutes in the semifinal win over Tucson.

He was second on the team with 55 clearances, and added 23 interceptions while winning 71 of 141 duels.  He had a 81.4% success rate on passes.

“He’s capable of playing left-back and left center back,” said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. “He’s a hardworking player and he’s the type of player that matches the culture that we’re trying to build in 2022.”

Crull said he will be spending the off season with his friends and family. 

“I got married and spent a week in Turks and Caicos,” Crull said. “We are soaking up time with family and cherishing every moment with them.” 

He is the eighth player on FC Tucson’s 2022 roster. The club previously announced the return of six starters from the 2021 playoff team, including center backs Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio. Monday, the team announced the return of former starting goalkeeper Carlos Merancio.

FC Tucson announced on Monday the return of goalkeeper Carlos Merancio.

"I'm so excited to be back in Tucson because it's the best club I've ever been part of," Merancio said. "I feel like it's my home." 

Merancio is a native of Hermosillo, Mexico, and now resides in Tucson. He first signed with the club ahead of the inaugural USL League One season in 2019. He spent two seasons in Tucson playing 1,980 minutes over 22 games. 

He made 41 saves in 13 games in 2019. In 2020, he made 25 saves in nine matches and had a .69 Goals Against Average.

"He's a top talent for me and somebody I really wanted to bring back to Tucson," said head coach Jon Pearlman. "He's a Tucson guy and I think he's going to be a real asset to us moving forward as we build one of the strongest defenses in League One."

FC Tucson previously announced it had picked up the option on six players from the 2021 playoff team, including center backs Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio.

FC Tucson announced on Monday the return of goalkeeper Carlos Merancio.

“I’m so excited to be back in Tucson because it’s the best club I’ve ever been part of,” Merancio said. “I feel like it’s my home.” 

Merancio is a native of Hermosillo, Mexico, and now resides in Tucson. He first signed with the club ahead of the inaugural USL League One season in 2019. He spent two seasons in Tucson playing 1,980 minutes over 22 games. 

He made 41 saves in 13 games in 2019. In 2020, he made 25 saves in nine matches and had a .69 Goals Against Average.

“He’s a top talent for me and somebody I really wanted to bring back to Tucson,” said head coach Jon Pearlman. “He’s a Tucson guy and I think he’s going to be a real asset to us moving forward as we build one of the strongest defenses in League One.”

FC Tucson previously announced it had picked up the option on six players from the 2021 playoff team, including center backs Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio.

The 23-year-old Merancio is a Mexico international and started his club career in 2017 with Monarcas Morelia Premier in Mexico's third division. 

He spent the 2021 season with Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship. 

"We're going to work very hard to make it to the playoffs again and win the championship," Merancio said. 

FOLLOW CARLOS MERANCIO: Twitter | Instagram

The 23-year-old Merancio is a Mexico international and started his club career in 2017 with Monarcas Morelia Premier in Mexico’s third division. 

He spent the 2021 season with Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship. 

“We’re going to work very hard to make it to the playoffs again and win the championship,” Merancio said. 

FOLLOW CARLOS MERANCIO: Twitter | Instagram