Founded in 2010, FC Tucson became the first Arizona team to reach the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup, where they will meet the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium. Here is a look at how the club from the Premier Development League reached the third round.
Qualifying: The top two finishers from the Premier Development League's Western Conference in 2012 qualified for the 2013 U.S. Open Cup. FC Tucson qualified for the U.S Open Cup with a 9-3-4 record, edging out the Fresno Fuego for second place.
First Round: May 14, 2013, Tucson, AZ: For the first time ever, the U.S Open Cup featured two Arizona soccer clubs. FC Tucson played USL Pro side Phoenix SC at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz. Phoenix FC took a 1-0 lead as midfielder Diego Faria scored in the 62nd minute. FC Tucson continued to trail until substitute midfielder Conner Bevans scored in the 82nd minute, just three minutes after entering the game. Bevans punctuated his standout substitute appearance with the game-winning goal in the 92nd minute. FC Tucson had a 2-1 upset win over its Arizona rivals and a trip to the second round.
$10 TICKETS: Watch the Dynamo face FC Tucson on Wednesday night
Second Round: May 21, 2013, San Antonio, TX: FC Tucson made the 12-hour journey to San Antonio in vans to face the NASL San Antonio Scorpions. The Scorpions struck first with a goal in the 30th minute. FC Tucson's Ricardo Velazco answered with an equalizing goal in the 55th minute. Los Tusconenses took the lead in the 67th minute through a goal from Saeed Robinson. Tucson appeared to have the game won, but were called for a hand ball in the box in the 90th minute. San Antonio forward Hans Denissen put the spot kick in the upper right corner to tie the game, 2-2.
After thirty minutes of extra time failed to produce a game-winning goal, the two teams went to a penalty shootout. With a 4-3 lead in penalty kicks, the Tucson players watched as San Antonio’s Kevin Harmes' shot sailed over the crossbar, sending the young Arizona club into the third round to meet the Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Wednesday.
