Photos; FC Tucson shuts out new intra-city rival RSL Southern Arizona, WPSL
FC Tucson rode a hat trick from Mackenzie Moring to a 5-0 win over RSL Southern Arizona in WPSL action, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
RSL’s goalkeeper Julia Vigorito takes a shot from FC Tucson’s Yajaira Cervantes in the face for the initial save during the second half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz. Cervantes corralled the rebound and eventually notched FC’s fourth goal of the night in a 5-0 win.
RSL’s Gabriella Weber sweeps in to clear the ball from FC Tucson’s Vivien Villarreal in the second half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
FC Tucson’s MacKenzie Moring, left, tangles against RSL’s Keylilah Gutierrez for a ball in the box in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School on May 29, 2024.
RSL’s Keylilah Gutierrez makes a grab as FC Tucson’s Yajaira Cervantes scoots by near midfield in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
FC Tucson’s Vivien Villarreal brings a down a cross into the box in front of RSL’s Gabriella Weber in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
RSL’s Haydee Guzman comes up short in trying to get the ball from FC Tucson’s Ellie Robinson in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
FC Tucson’s Mackenzie Moring gets congratulated after hitting her hat trick in the second half against RSL Southern Arizona in their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
RSL’s Khaira Kukich comes in on FC Tucson’s Hannah Ramos and picks up the foul just outside the box in the second half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
FC Tucson’s Ashly Martinez gets off the shot before RSL’s Anjeli DesRosier can close her down in the second half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
FC Tucson’s Vivien Villarreal, left, celebrates with Ashly Martinez after the two combined for a score against RSL in the second half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson’s Yajaira Cervantes takes the ball off the foot of RSL’s Anjeli DesRosier in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
RSL’s Haydee Guzman makes the slide tackle to stop FC Tucson’s Vivien Villarreal in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
RSL’s Athena Huggins skids past as FC Tucson’s Savannah Gutierrez sidesteps the tackle in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
RSL’s Anjeli DesRosier traps the ball against FC Tucson’s Meredith Galus’ foot as the two try to bring down a 50-50 ball in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
FC Tucson’s Jamie Black just edges out RSL’s Marilyn Mcfeaters in the race to the ball in the first half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
An RSL defender makes a last chance stab at the ball as FC Tucson’s Mackenzie Moring rounds her into the box in the second half of their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson’s Yajaira Cervantes, top, gets hugged by Vivien Villarreal after getting the team’s fourth goal of the night against RSL in their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
FC Tucson coach Roberto Garcia gives some last minute instructions as he prepares to make wholesale changes in the first half against RSL in their WPSL game at Tucson High School, May 29, 2024, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
FC Tucson Women (2-0) opened the 2024 season with 4-0 and 5-0 wins, respectively at the El Paso Surf and against RSL Southern Arizona — the latter at Tucson High. FCT's home opener is Saturday against Phoenix-based SC del Sol (2-0) at Kino North.
FC Tucson Women's roster filled with local talent, including alumni of Cienega, CDO, Catalina Foothills, Salpointe, othersFC Tucson Women's roster features a bevy of locally-grown talent, including more than 20 who played youth soccer in Southern Arizona, and a number of alumni of local high schools like Cienega, Salpointe, Canyon del Oro, St. Augustine, Catalina Foothills, Walden Grove and Tucson High.