July 10, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC News Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – It was a warm and windy night in Tucson for the first matchup of the season between Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC and FC Tucson. FC Tucson came into the match as the lowest scoring team in USL League One and winless in their home stadium this season.
The first half hour was controlled by Northern Colorado with numerous chances coming their way, with Tucson finding only a few corners to show for their efforts. The first chance came when Arthur Rogers put in a free kick that nearly found its way into the back of the net, but got tipped away at the last second by Tucson’s keeper Carlos Merancio Valdez.
Trevor Amann was next up with a pair of chances minutes apart. First in the 16th minute, getting in close, but the legs of Merancio Valdez held strong.In the 21st minute a pass across the face of goal from Rogers was kept away from Amann who was extremely close to a tap in
The game was halted for a lightning delay in the 28th minute leading to a 52 minute delay in the match. When play resumed the sun was down and a burst of rain that wasn’t present earlier in the match.
Hailstorm picked up where they left off with a barrage of shots in the 36th minute. Multiple shots were blocked, finding only Tucson legs. The ball did find its way to Jerry Desdunes who made a shot that called for Merancio Valdez to tip it wide.
Tucson were closing the half strong though and found a breakthrough with a free kick on the brink of halftime. The ball popped up in the box after the free kick and was put home by Tucson native Donny Toia to give FC Tucson the lead.
On the hour mark, a major advantage came Hailstorm’s way in the form of Toia being sent off for his second yellow card. Presenting Northern Colorado with a half hour man advantage to dig themselves back into the match.
Substitute Lachlan McLean came on to make an impact and nearly did so with a pair of his early touches. The first chance being a corner from Rogers that was put just over the bar. The latter chance came as a shot from the edge of the box and putting it just wide of the mark.
But the third time was a charm and McLean found the equalizer in the 75th minute. Northern Colorado are used to seeing Rogers assist from set pieces, but this time he sent a cross that McLean was able to get a head on and direct on target.
Despite the chances being there for Northern Colorado late on to find a winner, Merancio…