July 10, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – FC Tucson News Release
FC Tucson faced a Hailstorm, a lightning delay, almost vertical rain and a second-half red card to salvage a 1-1 draw at Kino North Stadium on Saturday night.
Forward Donny Toia again played a significant role for FC Tucson, this time with a goal and then a second yellow that resulted in a red and meant Tucson played the final 30 minutes against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.
Before either team scored, it was a lightning delay that struck first, stopping the game after 28 minutes and resulting in an almost hour-long delay.
After the restart that included a 10-minute span of rain, each team had a chance before Toia gave Tucson the lead just before the half. The former Pima Community College and Canyon del Oro High School star connected on a scissor volley from about 2 yards with his right foot to send the ball ripping into the net in the 45th minute.
In the second half, both teams had shots that were blocked in a back-and-forth 15-minute stretch. In the 60th minute, Toia picked up his second yellow, leaving Tucson to withstand the final half-hour with 10 men.
The equalizer came in the 78th minute when substitute Hailstorm forward Lachlan McLean connected.
GOALS
45â² – TUC – Donny Toia
76â² – NCO – Lachlan McLean
QUOTES
“With the weather delay, high winds, it’s challenging to play the way we wanted to play. I don’t think we were playing our best football, but we created a set piece and Donny found a goal.” – FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman
“Carlos Merancio was absolutely tremendous, he stood up tall for us. I’m glad we got a point because we got something out of the game. But, we have to be better mentally or there’s no way forward for us. We’re good enough to play, we’re good enough to score goals, but the mental side of the game is massive too.” – FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman
Tucson will now travel to Nebraska to take on Union Omaha at Werner Park on Saturday, July 16. Kick off is set for 5 p.m Tucson time. Fans can head to Brother John’s BBQ to watch the match at the Official Watch Party.
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