Training camp for FC Tucson has officially kicked off. Until now, we have only had a small sample of FC Tucson players feature for Phoenix Risings this preseason. With all the players on the field, the roster battles can finally begin. I am looking forward to what an FC Tucson team looks like at full strength and after few weeks of training together. Some of the players I talked to expressed gratitude for being able to train with Phoenix Rising for a couple weeks, but they were all looking forward to getting into camp as a team.

With training camp officially underway, the FC Tucson Roster now stands at 17 players. The most recent signings included:

Luis Martinez

Luis Martinez is a familiar face to FC Tucson fans. The 29 yr-old midfielder was with FC Tucson for the 2015 League Two season. Luis scored 4 goals and notched 2 assists in13 league games. This won him the honor of Eegee’s Team MVP. Prior to joining FC Tucson, Luis played four seasons of collegiate soccer at Chico State. After leaving Tucson, He signed for OKC Energy, where he made 17 appearances over two seasons. Look for Luis to bring a stability to the midfield and for him to control the tempo of the game. Here’s hoping that he has kept his knack for scoring infamous free-kicks goals.

Colin Stripling

Colin Stripling is a midfielder with previous League Two experience. He played four seasons at Monmouth University. Stripling is another player with a connection to the Sounders U23’s. Stripling featured in one preseason friendly for Phoenix Rising FC against the New York Red Bulls. He subbed on at the 75’ minute as a defensive midfielder and looked pretty solid. He had good awareness and positioning which led to him intercepting a few passes. He also had a great tackle which started one of the few offensive opportunities for Phoenix that afternoon.

Luke Hauswirth

Luke Hauswirth is a versatile defender from the University of Washington. He has also spent time with the NPSL side Detroit City FC. Favoring the right side, Luke can play in either a back four or in the midfield. He is quick and attackers tend to have a hard time shaking him and he excels at tracking runs. Luke is a defender that likes attacks the ball. He has highlight reels full of incredible sliding tackles. He is another strong candidate for one of the defensive starting spots, definitely keep an eye on him this preseason.

Carlos Merancio

Carlos Merancio is a goalkeeper from the Liga MX side Monarcas Morelia. He spent time with Monarcas II, the Academy team for Monarcas Morelia. I spent way to long scouring for info on his time in Liga MX and the academy system, but there wasn’t much info available. We are going to have to wait to see him in get minutes in friendlies to get a better impression of him and his style. This is going to be a pretty low-key position battle. Besides Phoenix Rising Academy product Brandon Keniston, who might be loaned down for a few games, I’m not sure that FC Tucson will be signing another GK.

Jamael Cox

The final signing before training camp started was 26 yr-old midfielder Jamael Cox. He is another product of Seattle’s academy system with connection to Coach Sawatzky’s U-23 team. Jamael has spent time with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the PDL side Burlingame Dragons, and the Arena Soccer team Tacoma Stars. Jamael is very elusive with the ball at his feet. He is a fantastic dribbler and loves to take on defenders. He runs circles around opponents, which break down defenses and creates openings for his teammates. He is going to be entertaining to watch this year.

FC Tucson looks to build its roster up to 20-22 players, that leaves 5-7 more signings to come before the start of the season. I expect at least 2-3 more players with either a connection to the Sounders academy or FC Tucson. There have been several former Pima Community College players that have been spotting training with FC Tucson this past week including former FC Tucson player Kyle VanAlstine, and Hugo Kametani (Junior College Division I National POTY).

23 Days…