Historic U.S. Open Cup Run Ends in Tough Loss to Cal United Strikers
April 20, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
FC Tucson News Release
Two goals in the final 20 minutes, including one in the 92nd minute by new acquisition Ryotaro Kawashima, helped California United Strikers FC rally for a 2-1 win over FC Tucson in a third-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match at Kino North Stadium on Tuesday night.
The loss ends FC Tucson's run in the U.S. Open Cup after it matched the club record set in 2013 for furthest advancement in U.S. soccer's oldest tournament.
FC Tucson, a USL League One team, dominated much of the play in the first half over its NISA opponent. The success was rewarded in the 17th minute when Gio Calixtro scooted along the 18-yard box, made a few jukes and then right-footed a shot past a diving Steven Barrera.
Tucson continued to grab chances over the first 15 minutes of the second half, but then the Strikers started to find their game and gain more of the possession and push forward to a greater extent.
The fruits of their labor came to fruition when Omar Nuno went on a long run and then slid a shot under keeper Carlos Merancio to to make it 1-1 after 71 minutes.
FC Tucson had some chances to retake the lead but finished its chances with errant shots or watched its shots blocked.
The Strikers made them pay when Kawashima found himself wide open in the far side of the box when he picked up a loose ball and clinically finished off his shot to make it 2-1.
GOALS
17 ¬Â² - TUC - Gio Calixtro
71 ¬Â² - CAL - Omar Nuno
92 ¬Â² - CAL - Ryotaro Kawashima
NEXT UP
FC Tucson's next match will be a USL League One contest on Saturday, April 23 in Tennessee against Chattanooga Red Wolves. American Eat Co. & Market Bar will host a watch party for all fans. Kick off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. MST.
United Soccer League One Stories from April 20, 2022
- Triumph SC Pushes Charlotte FC to Extra Time in 2-1 Open Cup Loss - Greenville Triumph SC
- Forward Madison FC Falls 2-0 to Minnesota United FC in U.S. Open Cup - Forward Madison FC
- Athletic Brewing Returns as Exclusive Non-Alcoholic Beer Partner - FC Tucson
- Union Omaha Extinguishes the Fire in Us Open Cup Match - Union Omaha
- Forward Madison FC Unveils Hypno Pre-Match Top - Forward Madison FC
- Historic U.S. Open Cup Run Ends in Tough Loss to Cal United Strikers - FC Tucson
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