Redlands FC Suffer First Loss of Season Against FC Tucson

Redlands FC played for the second time in as many nights in Arizona as they took on defending Western Conference Champions FC Tucson in a battle between unbeaten teams. 

As one would expect with Redlands playing in a back-to-back, they began the game chasing Tucson. The home side wasted no time taking advantage of this, as in the 7th minute they went on a counter attack that resulted in a Ismael Ruiz goal to make it 1-0. 

The next 20 minutes featured a goalkeeping masterclass from Redlands FC man Miguel Hernandez. Hernandez made huge stops in both the 23rd and 26th minute to keep it a one goal game. 

Moments before halftime, a physical tie up outside of the box continued into the box before a penalty kick was ruled in favor of FC Tucson. However, the kick was sent over the bar, and Redlands settled for just a 1-0 deficit at halftime. 

15 minutes into the second half, Redlands finally broke through with a scoring opportunity, as Javier Hernandez sent a ball into the box that was just a step ahead of Luka Lukic, who got a piece of the ball but sent it wide. 

However, the chance was a sign of things to come, as in the 66th minute Redlands sprung a counter attack out of seemingly thin air that resulted in a Troy Elgersma goal to tie the game at 1-1. The goal was Elgersma’s second of the weekend and of the young season. 

Redlands threatened again in the 73rd minute when they sprung for a 3-on-3 counter attack, but a shot by Wyatt Ponting was saved. 

Just when it looked like Redlands had done enough to earn a draw in a tough game, FC Tucson sent a shot from just outside the box that beat Hernandez, and proved to be the game-winning goal. 

In the end, Redlands picked up 3 of a possible 6 points in what is by far the most difficult road trip they will deal with all season. The teams record now stands 2-0-1, and they will prepare for another road match on June 4th against the SoCal Eagles at 7 PM, a team that Redlands swept last season.