FC Tucson (3-6-2, 11 points), rejuvenated by a pair of new players in Donny Toia and Fernando Garcia went up early on the Chattanooga Red Wolves (5-6-2, 17 points) and kept it that way in a 2-1 win at CHI Memorial Stadium in Tennessee on Saturday.
“Winning in Chattanooga feels great, getting away wins is always a good thing. We have a couple more days to prepare for the next game. Preparation means opportunity so, we’re looking forward to the next opportunity on Wednesday,” Garcia said.
Garcia scored the first goal of his USL League One career in the match, becoming the 12th player in the club’s history to score in their debut.
Midfielder Louis Perez was the first to score in the match. Two minutes into stoppage time of the first half, Charlie Machell kicked the ball across the box, landing in the way of Perez. He then kicked a laser past Chattanooga goal keeper Carlos Avilez.
FC Tucson’s lead grew larger in the 76th minute of the match. Garcia, the growing star that just signed from the Des Moines Menace, took the pass from forward Franco Perez and nailed the ball past the goal keeper for the 2-0 advantage.
“It’s been a crazy journey for me and to be able to come into a new team, new coach, new league and score in my first game is amazing,” Garcia said.
Chattanooga fought hard to tie the match back up in the remaining minutes, but the lead was too much. It was able to cut its deficit shorter with a goal two minutes into stoppage time.
FC Tucson will be back at Kino North Complex to play the Richmond Kickers (5-4-3, 18 points) on Wednesday in a rescheduled 520 Day match.
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