Americas News
Historic Win for Tucson
Posted by: Newswire, 2024-04-30, 175 ViewsThe party began on the pitch the last night of the season as Tucson was officially crowned the Division 1 Champions of the Americas for the first time. The fans knew going in to the match, the team were champs. The final day, come from behind victory, only fueled the celebration which spilled out onto the field as soon as the final whistle blew.
It was a tough battle throughout the season with Las Vegas pushing Tucson at every step of the way. Vegas won 3 of the 4 previous seasons but was unable to keep Tucson from pulling away at the end. Tucson set many team records on their march to the top, including: most points (56), most wins (17), and most goals scored (38) [in the modern 26 match season]. 18 of those goals were scored by one of the superstars of the team, Golden Boot winner Juan Pablo Gil. Another of those superstars was the big offseason pick up of Keeper Giorgio Brozzetti from Genoa. Saving at 77%, he helped to push Tucson over the top and was the only player to start all 26 matches. You can't put it all on these stars though. This was a team effort with 82% setup producing 337 shots, 127 on goal, and over 50% challenges on both sides of the ball. All but the two youngest players on the team contributed to league matches with 10 goal scorers and 13 players having assists.
It was a long road for the Tucson manager to get here. Taking over the team just before the start of season 15, there have been many ups and downs: 9 Promotions, 8 Demotions, 3 Division 2 Titles, 3 Regional Cup Wins, and several near misses. Perhaps the most heartbreaking for Tucson fans was season 43, when the team finish in a 3-way tie on points but third on tiebreakers. During the close race with LV, undoubtable some fans were wondering if this was their fate again. There was no stopping Tucson this time however, as every time the top got close, they managed to find a win to pull away again.
The players and staff paraded with fans to 4th Ave, downtown Tucson. Tequila, cervezas, and dancing at the Surly Wench Pub as the team party with the local supporters well into the night. When the sun came up Mariachi music and Queen could still be heard playing all throughout Tucson...
Paul McCartney reporting for the Tucson Weekly
[Personal side note, this just so happened to be the week of my birthday as well. Thanks for all the great seasons...]
2 Comments
Pav
10/05/2024 12:42:00
Well deserved!!! No reason Tucson can’t challenge again this season, gonna be a fun race.
