FRESNO, Calif. – In the first edition of the Western Clasico, Central Valley Fuego FC takes on FC Tucson for the first time this season. 10 years ago, then Fresno Fuego and FC Tucson competed against each other in USL League Two (then PDL).
In the first half, Fuego FC created many opportunities to score, but ultimately FC Tucson goalkeeper Carlos Merancio clinched to a clean sheet. Although Fuego FC did not score early on, they controlled the game and maintained possession for 64% of the first half. Their efforts just fell short leaving the first half 0-0.
In the second half, Fuego FC continued to press the Tucson’s backline with two close calls by Villyan Bijev in the 70th and 74th minutes. The game became more physical as time went on and the sense of urgency led to six yellow cards between the rivals. Despite the team’s efforts to score, both Merancio and Ofek Antman keep clean sheets at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium. The absence of scoring led to a draw for the teams.
UP NEXT: Central Valley Fuego FC takes on Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on June 22 at 6 PM PST at Canvas Stadium. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
Match: Central Valley Fuego FC vs FC Tucson
Date: June 18, 2022
Venue: Fresno State Soccer Stadium
Weather: 81 degrees and sunny
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN
NOTES
– Game 10 marks the first matchup between Fuego FC and FC Tucson this season in USL League One. After 10 years, then Fresno Fuego and FC Tucson competed against each other in PDL.
– François Dulysse returns from international duty with the Haitian national team. Haiti played four matches in the span of two weeks recording four wins and a draw. Dulysse made two starting appearances for the national team. This was the second time the 24-year-old has been called up.
Scoring Summary | 1 | 2 | F |
Central Valley Fuego FC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
FC Tucson | 0 | 0 | 0 |
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
CV – Ozzie Ramos 21’ (CAUTION)
CV – Cherif Dieye 48’ (CAUTION)
CV – Maxi Schenfeld 56’ (CAUTION)
TUC – Burke Fahling 65’ (CAUTION)
TUC – Daniel Bendoya 73’ (CAUTION)
TUC– Devin Shaw 78’ (CAUTION)
CV – Christian Chaney 90+3’ (CAUTION)
LINEUPS
Central Valley Fuego FC (1-4-5-1): Ofek Antman, Nathan Smith, William Gillingham, Jordan Chavez, François Dulysse, Michael Hornsby (Christian Chaney), Cherif Dieye (Renato Bustamante), Ozzie Ramos, Maxi Schenfeld (Diego Casillas), Victor Falck (Tunde Akinlosotu), Villyan Bijev
Subs not used: Mitch North, Jesus Partida, David Diaz
FC Tucson (1-4-3-3): Carlos Merancio, Jacob Crull, Kaelon Fox, Luca Mastrantonio, Tyler Allen, Louie Perez, Tevin Shaw, Charlie Mitchell, Tarn Weer, Deri Corfe (Gio Calixtro), Burke Fahling (Daniel Bendoya)
Subs not used: Sean Murray, Tyler Moss, Mueng Sunday, Tuki Shinata, Elijah Wynder
Team Perspective
“Very tough game against FC Tucson. We created 3-4 clear chances to score. Unfortunately, we could not put them away. We imposed our style of play for most of the game by having 67% of the ball possession,” said Coach Vasquez. “I was impressed with the team’s high press and counter-press in the first half and throughout the game. The team had a good response after losing to Chattanooga.”
“I believe there was definitely a positive shift in energy and intensity from the Chattanooga game,” said Michael Hornsby. “We were struggling to find the finishing touch but that will come if we improve on a few key aspects and keep putting work in.”