FC Tucson opened its 2025 season the way they have for a couple of years: a tune-up match against Selección Tucsón, a team of standout Southern Arizona players. The match at Kino North Stadium went well for FC Tucson, but they were unable to staunch a comeback by the scrappy amateurs and settled for a 2 – 2 draw.
“We let them stay in the game for too long,” said FC Tucson coach Sebastian Pineda.
The first half was dominated by FC Tucson, with the only two early advances coming from the feet of former Real Salt Lake player Donny Toia. However, the one-time professional went down after charging for loose ball in minute 22 and had to get subbed out early.
By that time, FC Tucson had already built up a strong lead. In minute 11, Alexis Ledoux, who had already been a menace in Selección Tucsón’s box, dished the ball off to Pima College player Robert Castaneda who slotted it past Selección keeper John Suarez. Castaneda scored again in minute 19.
FC Tucson tried to extend the lead with shots before the hour mark. Sebastian Guzman had an attempt from distance when he caught the keeper out, but it sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. An attempt by Juan Galves to dribble into shooting position was broken up by a surprisingly well-organized defense.
As the match went into the final frame, things started to fall apart for FC Tucson. Selección’s chippy play eventually made FC Tucson’s players reciprocate.
Both Casteneda and midfielder Frank Castro got yellow cards for fouls. With pride on the line, Selección played with a bit more urgency that FC Tucson and found more chances on FC Tucson goalkeeper José Ortiz, who came on as a sub around the hour mark.
Antonio Morales, a Pueblo Warrior, found the back of the net in minute 82. Only moments later, the team earned a penalty kick that Ricardo Flores sent just past Ortiz’s fingers.
FC Tucson would have to settle for a draw despite dominating most of the match. After the match, Selección coach Ivan Jiménez admitted that it took a while to adjust to the athleticism of FC Tucson’s players, but they were motivated.
“It was just hard work,” he said. “They really wanted this. The last two years they lost. These boys wanted to show they can play with the best.”
FC Tucson coach Sebastian Pineda admitted that a few missed chances early and mistakes near the end allowed Selección to earn the draw. He also noted that the team isn’t quite complete yet, with the first match not coming until the 20th.
“The guys are just getting in town; they don’t know each other well yet,” he said. “We’ve got some local guys and we were thankful that they helped us. We want the experienced players to come out and slow the game down and not give away the ball so quickly, those little details that experience gives you. That wasn’t there today. We finished with a very young team.”
One of those local players that filled the roster was Robert Castaneda. As a fill-in player, he is not expected to be on the full roster when league matches begin, but it’s hard to see a player that scored two goals not be considered.
“I knew about Robert since he was at Pima, that’s why I brought him in for training,” Pineda said. “He’s putting himself out there, and he’ll get a chance to prove himself.”
Castaneda’s partner in the offense was Alexis Ledoux, a French forward who earned the assist on the first goal. Ledoux just got done with his last season at UC Santa Barbara where he scored 14 goals for the Gauchos. He brings the experience Pineda was talking about, with time at academies in France before playing college soccer in the US.
“Ultimately, my role is to help the team score goals. That means I have to find spaces and help the team get chances,” he said. “I think I did that today, but I could finish better.”
The 5′ 6″ forward was a target for the more physical play of Selección’s back line, an indicator of how dangerous they knew he was. He’s gotten used to this.
“I’ve always been one of the smallest players on the field,” he said. “I’m always getting kicked around. I usually get fouls from those and that creates chances. It’s part of my game.”
FC Tucson’s first league match is away against Stars FC with their first home game coming on May 24 against Redlands FC.
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