It was an electric crowd Saturday at Kino North as FC Tucson played Fort Lauderdale CF on a beautiful night during the Fourth of July weekend.
The Men in Back were looking to get themselves back on the winning track with interim head coach Jon Pearlman after what has been a disappointing month of June.
FC Tucson got off on the right foot under Pearlman, winning 2-1 at Kino North Stadium. This occurred after the team went 0-2-2 in June and failed to score a goal since June 12.
The match Saturday was a challenge for FC Tucson, as the last time they played Fort Lauderdale CF, they were blown out by a score of 5-1.
FC Tucson also had to adjust under Pearlman, who took over the club after John Galas agreed with the organization to part ways. N
Pearlman knew that winning the game would be tough, but he was more than ready for the challenge.
FC Tucson almost scored quite a few times early in the game, but Fort Lauderdale CF’s defense held up well.
The first goal came from a captivating goal made be Deri Corfe in the corner at the 33rd minute.
And we’re ON THE BOARD!!@dericorfe | @TUCvFLT pic.twitter.com/tR1CcPQrIS
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) July 4, 2021
Fort Lauderdale managed to tie the game from what looked like an error of judgement from goalie Wallis Lapsley. Other than that, he had yet another significant game at the goal.
The final score came from a bold move by Pearlman. Towards the final minutes of the match, he subbed out Corfe for Manu Ferriol.
At the 75th minute, Ferriol came through big for his team, scoring to put FC Tucson up 2-1.
Fort Lauderdale tried to storm back to secure at least a tie, but FC Tucson played shut-down defense and got the hard earned win they’ve been looking for.
Pearlman was almost overcome with emotion for this big win, which made this one that much better.
@jpearlsoccer had plenty of praises for his staff and his players after tonight’s exciting home win vs Fort Lauderdale CF. It was a well deserved one and much needed for @FCTucson . Despite the win it’s business as usual as they face FC Chattanooga next week. @AllSportsTucson pic.twitter.com/JR6P8oP9PJ
— Nathaniel Martinez (@NateMartTSports) July 4, 2021
FC Tucson will go back on the road to face FC Chattanooga on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The game will be on ESPN Plus.
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Nathaniel Martinez is an aspiring sports journalist who is a Sahuaro High School graduate and Pima Community College student. He has written for the Aztec Press at Pima. While at Sahuaro, he played football for longtime coach Scott McKee and he wrestled.
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