FC TUCSON EXTENDS UNDEFEATED STREAK WITH 1-0 WIN SATURDAY, SITS ATOP DESERT CONFERENCE STANDINGS

Written By:  Eric Newman
             West Region Contributor

FC Tucson pulled out another close win on Saturday, June 11, with a 1-0 victory over Atomic City FC in Henderson, Nevada.

After winning the Desert Conference with an undefeated record in 2021, FC Tucson has proven to be the early frontrunner of the conference this season, having won each of its three opening matches with 1-0 shutouts.

The veteran FC Tucson squad was methodical with possession from the beginning, utilizing a strong midfield to control the pace and knock the ball around. Atomic City FC was not overmatched at first. It made its own runs but could not put together the final play needed to score on one of the WPSL’s top defenses backed by goalkeeper, and Northern Colorado commit, Madison Smith, who picked up the clean sheet.

It was a chippy defensive match all around as both sides looked for a break to open the score line before the half. That break didn’t come until the 31’ minute after Tucson’s Caitlyn Maher capitalized on a solid hit to the corner. Maher received a long ball on the left side and dribbled past a defender. When the opposing goalkeeper strayed up, Maher took a dribble backward and chipped it over the keeper into the right side of the goal.

Down 1-0 at the break, Atomic City FC moved players forward in the second half to try to equalize but couldn’t break through FC Tucson’s defensive front. What appeared to be a golden opportunity for the home side was denied by a Smith diving save that kept Tucson’s lead alive.

Unable to add to its tally in the second half, Maher’s goal was enough to send Tucson back with 3 points and remain at the top of the conference standings. With a playoff spot set for the conference’s victor, FC Tucson head coach Kelly Pierce believes the team has the potential to make a deep run if it can get there.

The weekend wasn’t all lost for Atomic City as it picked up its first win of the season in a quick turnaround match the following day as it hosted SC Del Sol. Two goals from Zia Makhathini and Lourdes Bosch secured the 2-1 win.

FC Tucson will look to keep its winning streak alive as it visits WPSL newcomer, Arizona Arsenal SC (2-0-0) on Friday, June 17.