FC Tucson Head Coach John Galas won his first match in charge of the club as his side beat nine-man Fort Lauderdale CF 2-1 Saturday night at Inter Miami CF Stadium.
The hosts started brightly and Ricky Lopez-Espin opened the scoring in the 8th minute, getting on the end of Brian Rosales’ inch-perfect cross from the right flank. The goal was the first in Fort Lauderdale CF history.
Fort Lauderdale were reduced to ten men in the 27th minute when Joshua Saavedra was shown a second yellow card for a late tackle in midfield. Ian Fray was also sent off just before halftime, receiving a second yellow card for a lunging tackle near his penalty area.
Azaad Liadi headed Elivelton Oliveira’s cross past goalkeeper Dylan Castanheira to draw FC Tucson level in the 87th minute.
Moments later, Adrian Valenzuela scored the eventual game winner, knocking home a loose ball from three yards out.
With the three points, FC Tucson moves into second place in the League One standings while Fort Lauderdale remains in 11th following back-to-back losses.
8’ FTL: Lopez-Espin (first) assisted by Rosales
87' TUC: Liadi (first) assisted by Oliveira
89' TUC: Valenzuela (first) assisted by Liadi
Fort Lauderdale: August 1 v. Richmond Kickers (A)
Tucson: August 1 v. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (A)