The blustery conditions were the story of the first half during Tuesday night’s contest between FC Tucson and AMSG FC at Kino North Stadium. Wind upwards of 10 miles per hour essentially shrunk the field, as long passes were nearly unplayable.
The resulting game was a scrappy affair that earned both sides two yellow cards as they chase the final playoff spot in the division.
The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute after defender D’Andre Pickett managed to redirect a cross caught by the wind into a dangerous area, and winger James Jennings was the last to get a touch on the ball that was awkwardly bundled into the net.
Pickett and Jennings play collegiately for Pima and Missouri State, respectively.
The wind died down to manageable levels after halftime, but that did little to aid AMSG in their quest to break through Tucson’s ironclad defense, as they were outshot 19-7.
Old Dominion winger Will Artesan put the nails in the coffin for ASMG in the 86th minute, after excellent hold up play from striker Paul Caliari gave Artesan the opportunity to run in behind ASMG’s defenders, and once he was 1v1 with the keeper, the finish was never in doubt.
Despite the loss, with two games in hand, AMSG (6-4-2) can still leapfrog FC Tucson (7-2-4) in the standings if FC Tucson were to drop points, making the last few games of the season must-win affairs for both teams if they want to keep their playoff dreams alive.
“Pressure is always a privilege.”
The words of goalkeeper Alex Svetnoff perfectly encapsulates the mindset of an FC Tucson team that knows near perfection will be required of them from here on out.
Coachella FC will be the next opponent to try their luck against FC Tucson on Sunday at Kino North Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
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