One wouldn't think a team could continue any momentum off a draw. But when it's a point on the road in a game in which it rallied from a two-goal deficit, and leads into back-to-back home weekends, there's plenty of good vibes to carry over.
That's exactly the position FC Tucson finds itself in Saturday night when it hosts New England Revolution II (7 p.m., Kino North Stadium, ESPN+) in a USL League One matchup.
"The way we came back in the game showed a lot of heart and a lot of guts, which is something we've been trying to install in the team since the beginning," said FC Tucson defender Dakota Barnathan, "and it's good to know the fruits are coming from our labor. We've put in a lot of good work and the results are starting to come out way.
"Looking forward to New England. Being back home, we have a couple games coming up up at home, and it's good to get started with a nice win on Saturday night."
RELATED: USL League One Standings
Tucson has a two-game unbeaten streak since Jon Pearlman, FC Tucson's vice president of soccer operations, stepped in as interim head coach. It faces a test in a Major League Soccer reserve squad that sits above the playoff cutline.
"The guys have having confidence they can handle adverse situations and come out with positive results," said Pearlman. "But we're trying not to put ourselves in those situations.
"For the fans: Being back home, we really want to capitalize on the energy they bring to us and put together a complete performance."
New England (5-6-1) is one of four teams at 16 points that occupy fifth through eighth. Tucson is 3-4-4 (13 points) in 11th. Top six teams qualify for postseason.
One wouldn’t think a team could continue any momentum off a draw. But when it’s a point on the road in a game in which it rallied from a two-goal deficit, and leads into back-to-back home weekends, there’s plenty of good vibes to carry over.
That’s exactly the position FC Tucson finds itself in Saturday night when it hosts New England Revolution II (7 p.m., Kino North Stadium, ESPN+) in a USL League One matchup.
“The way we came back in the game showed a lot of heart and a lot of guts, which is something we’ve been trying to install in the team since the beginning,” said FC Tucson defender Dakota Barnathan, “and it’s good to know the fruits are coming from our labor. We’ve put in a lot of good work and the results are starting to come out way.
“Looking forward to New England. Being back home, we have a couple games coming up up at home, and it’s good to get started with a nice win on Saturday night.”
RELATED: USL League One Standings
Tucson has a two-game unbeaten streak since Jon Pearlman, FC Tucson’s vice president of soccer operations, stepped in as interim head coach. It faces a test in a Major League Soccer reserve squad that sits above the playoff cutline.
“The guys have having confidence they can handle adverse situations and come out with positive results,” said Pearlman. “But we’re trying not to put ourselves in those situations.
“For the fans: Being back home, we really want to capitalize on the energy they bring to us and put together a complete performance.”
New England (5-6-1) is one of four teams at 16 points that occupy fifth through eighth. Tucson is 3-4-4 (13 points) in 11th. Top six teams qualify for postseason.
Tucson is 1-1-2 at Kino, with a win over Ft Lauderdale CF on July 3.
New England's Noel Buck, 16, has three goals, while Pierre Cayet and Michael Tsicoulias have two apiece. The team's offense also features forward Edward Kizza, New England's first-round pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT: Revs look to stay above the playoff line
New England goalkeeper Joseph Rice is coming off "Save of the Week" for his penalty kick save in the team's win over Toronto FC II.
"New England's now feeling the charge of winning some games and being in a place where they may be able to play in postseason soccer," Pearlman said. "Talent is talent, and when good players get on the ball, good things can happen. We need to make sure we have more of the ball."
Tucson is 1-1-2 at Kino, with a win over Ft Lauderdale CF on July 3.
New England’s Noel Buck, 16, has three goals, while Pierre Cayet and Michael Tsicoulias have two apiece. The team’s offense also features forward Edward Kizza, New England’s first-round pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT: Revs look to stay above the playoff line
New England goalkeeper Joseph Rice is coming off “Save of the Week” for his penalty kick save in the team’s win over Toronto FC II.
“New England’s now feeling the charge of winning some games and being in a place where they may be able to play in postseason soccer,” Pearlman said. “Talent is talent, and when good players get on the ball, good things can happen. We need to make sure we have more of the ball.”
Wallis Lapsley continues to lead the league in saves with 39, while Daniel Bedoya is coming off a Team of the Week honor after converting a penalty kick in the 86th minute.
The midfielder also won five duels and made nine recoveries.
Shak Adams came off the bench and converted in the 89th minute to earn the tie.
Manu Ferriol came off the bench on July 3 and scored the game-winner in the 74th minute against Fort Lauderdale.
"I've said it from the beginning," said Pearlman, "in the critical moments, are we the team that's giving up that extra chance or are we the team that's absolutely ruthless in those final areas and really punishing teams?"
Wallis Lapsley continues to lead the league in saves with 39, while Daniel Bedoya is coming off a Team of the Week honor after converting a penalty kick in the 86th minute.
The midfielder also won five duels and made nine recoveries.
Shak Adams came off the bench and converted in the 89th minute to earn the tie.
Manu Ferriol came off the bench on July 3 and scored the game-winner in the 74th minute against Fort Lauderdale.
“I’ve said it from the beginning,” said Pearlman, “in the critical moments, are we the team that’s giving up that extra chance or are we the team that’s absolutely ruthless in those final areas and really punishing teams?”
