Match Review – North Texas SC

This was the first meeting of the two clubs. Heading into the match, North Texas SC sat on top of the USL League One Table with a 8-2-2 record. North Texas SC were without the league’s leading scorer, Ricardo Pepi (7 goals), who signed a homegrown contract with FC Dallas earlier in the week. Fortunately for them, they also had the league’s second leading scorer Ronaldo Damus (6 goals) on the roster.

There were three big changes to the starting XI for this match. Raheem Somersall returned from injury to make his first start since April. His presence in the midfield has definitely been missed the past few months. Kyle Bjornethun also made an appearance back in the starting lineup after spending the last month on loan to Phoenix Rising FC. Ramone Howell made his FC Tucson debut after being signed by Phoenix last week. It’s not clear how much time he will be spending in Tucson, seeing as how he was back with Phoenix for their match Saturday Night.

FC Tucson and North Texas SC seemed evenly matched in the opening minutes, both teams moved the ball well and created chances.

In the 15′, Devyn Jambga almost opened up the scoring by making a run to the back post, where he got his head on a cross. North Texas SC GK Carlos Avilez, was beat, but the header went just wide.

In the 25′, FC Tucson had its best chance of the night. Jambga made a play to keep the ball inbounds by nutmegging a defender. He then sends in a cross to the far post, where Jordan Jones heads the ball right into the path of Jamael Cox. Cox set in a powerful volley on target, but the keeper is able to make the save.

In the 39′ North Texas SC finally broke though FC Tucson’s defense. Ronaldo Damus received a pass and was able to dodge a tackle by Somersall to create some room at the top of FC Tucson’s box. Damus sent in an accurate strike to the bottom right corner past the outstretched hand of Carlos Merancio.

In the second half, North Texas SC put numbers behind the ball FC Tucson couldn’t break through. The match ended 1-0 and to North Texas SC.

Match Preview – Toronto FC II

Today’s match is the third and final meeting of the two clubs this season. The first being a 2-2 tie in Tucson’s home opener, and the second being a 1-0 loss of the road back in May.
Toronto FC II is currently sitting 5th on the table after a recent dip in form. Their last 3 matches:

T – 3-3 North Texas SC

L – 0-1 Lansing Ignite

T – 1-1 Forward Madison

Tonight will not be an easy match for the visitors. FC Tucson will look to even up the series on a weary Toronto side, that is coming off a short week. Toronto not only had to make the 1880 mile flight, but the temperature at kickoff is expected to be 100°F (37.8°C). I’m not sure if TFC II has experience playing in the desert heat.
Players to watch for:
F – Jordan Perruzza.

He is currently the TFC II leading scorer with 5 goals (2 assists). Toronto is not same team without him. He missed the match against Lansing Ignite and Toronto’s attack was noticeably less potent. They only managed 2 shots on target.
It’s still too early in the season to be labeled as a “must win” match, but securing all 3 points tonight would be huge for the club as they begin a long summer road trip. FC Tucson’s next 6 matches are all on the road.

Tonight’s match is at 7:30pm and will be followed by a “Fireworks Spectacular”.

As always, the match will be streamed on ESPN+