Local soccer fans packed Kino Sports Complex on a windy Saturday night to catch a glimpse of international stars matched with in-state talent.
Phoenix Rising FC scrimmaged FC Tucson and the UA club soccer team, facing each team for one half.
FC Tucson earned a 1-1 draw with Phoenix Rising FC, a result that pleased first-year head coach Jon Pearlman. Phoenix Rising FC’s Shaun Wright-Phillips and Omar Bravo, both of whom are household names, played most of the first half. The club recently signed former Chelsea star Didier Drogba as a player-owner; Drogba did not see the field Saturday.
“Getting a goal is really what we wanted to see happen,” Pearlman said. “A draw is a good result for us.”
Bravo put Phoenix Rising on the board first with a penalty kick at the 8:30 mark.
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Phoenix Rising controlled possession for much of the half, until interim coach Rick Schantz — a co-founder and former coach of FC Tucson who moved to Phoenix earlier this year — removed some of his club’s best players.
FC Tucson took advantage four minutes later, when midfielder Robert Acosta cut the ball to Gio Vasquez in the center of the Phoenix box. Vasquez headed a goal into the back post of the net.
The roster of FC Tucson was primarily composed of trialists looking to earn a spot on the club’s summer team.
Pearlman said that his team struggled with rotations and adjusting to a 3-5-2 formation.
FC Tucson fans showed up in full force, with some banging drums to create a festive first-half atmosphere. At intermission, the stadium public address announcer had to remind fans not to shoot off smoke bombs at the request of the fire marshal.
The attendance of 2,215 people was a preseason record for the club.
The UA club team held its own with Phoenix Rising in the second half, earning a 0-0 draw.
UA goalie Chase Van Bibber saved a number of Phoenix shots, squelching the club’s offensive opportunities.
Saturday’s friendly gave Pearlman a glimpse of what he will have to work with Friday when the team begins its Professional Development League season at Kino North Stadium.
“Overall, it was just a very brave performance,” Pearlman said. “I really was just pleased with the effort. “It’s great that Phoenix Rising was willing to come down here, and I give a tip of the hat to Coach Schantz.”
