US Open Cup R1: Colorado Rush 1 FC Tucson 3

The US Open Cup came to Tucson tonight for a Round 1 matchup between FC Tucson and Colorado Rush. The home side got off to the best possible start when they opened the scoring after just 3 minutes. A well-delivered corner found the head of Defender Vasquez who had climbed superbly, his header leaving Thomas in the Rush goal helpless. Unfortunately, however, this lead was short lived and Rush were level within 4 minutes, Wooliscroft taking full advantage of a defensive error before slotting past Vallilo in the home goal. Tucson had several chances to regain the lead before the break, the best coming when Schmitt saw his chance thwarted by Thomas.

HT:  Colorado Rush 1 FC Tucson 1

The second half started as the first half had ended, with FC Tucson in the ascendancy. However, in the 54th minute, the home side were dealt a major blow when Head Coach Pearlman and his assistant were ordered out of the game after the 4th official had intervened.  This did not seem to hamper Tucson as they continued to create chances with Perez, Harguindeguy and Berumen having the best.

With only a couple of minutes left, and everyone thinking the game was heading for extra time, FC Tucson managed to create a piece of brilliance.  A wonderful flowing move from the home side was capped off the by the ever alert Perez who slotted the ball home to give his team a well deserved 2-1 lead.  The home crowd were a little bemused and frustrated a minute later when the now not so popular fourth official indicated there would be no less than 6 minutes of added on time.  Tucson however, were not to be stopped in their US Open Cup campaign and as Colorado were pushing for the equaliser, Pinheiro broke up the other end of the park and put the game to bed with the third goal.  Tucson now faces a 2nd round road trip to Colorado to face USL side Colorado Switchbacks on the 17th May.

FT: Colorado Rush 1 FC Tucson 3

FC Tucson: Vallilo, Hinkson (Hall 90), Pineda, Vasquez, Harguindeguy (Carranza 79), Polster, Berumen, Perez, Schmitt, Delmonte, Pinheiro

Goals: Vasquez (3), Perez (89), Pinheiro (90+4)

ColoradoRush: Thomas, Wellen, Wolliscroft, O’Brien, May, Hartman, Gorham (Armstrong 70), Gaido, Dorsey, Armstrong, Crowley

Goal: Wooliscroft (7)

Another US Open Cup game of interest tonight was the match between Fresno Fuego and LaMaquina FC, with the winners facing Phoenix Rising in Round 2.  In a hard battled match, PDL side Fresno proved too strong for the opposition and ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.  3 of the goals coming from the ever dangerous Jose Cuevas.  Rising will travel to Fresno next Wednesday, the 17th.

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