FC Tucson is no stranger to the post-season, as they're now hosting the Western Conference playoffs for the 4th straight year. Tucson also comes into the playoffs riding a 10 game unbeaten streak. The club has not lost since they fell on the road on May 25th against the Colorado Rapids U23 team.
First year head coach Jon Pearlman spoke about the team's momentum heading into the playoffs this year saying "The reality is that yea we're 10 games unbeaten but I feel like it could be a 10 game winning streak too. It's 4 more games, this is a separate season. We don't want to look back, or think about streaks or things like that."
Tucson is facing an old foe in the first round of the playoffs as well in the Fresno Fuego. Fresno was the first team they ever played, and the team they scored their first goal against as well. "I couldn't be happier to be playing an old rival, the first team we ever played. We don't have a winning record against them. We have a chance to even that out" says Pearlman.
FC Tucson has plenty of pressure on them,finishing the regular season with 30 points and a 9-2-3 overall record to capture the Mountain Division for the fourth consecutive season. However, the club has never advanced past the Western Conference Finals. A trend they hope to stop in Pearlman's first year managing.
FC Tucson will play Fresno Friday, at 8pm at Kino Stadium. The Golden State Force and Portland Timbers U23 squad will play beforehand, at 6pm. The 2 winners will play Saturday, at 7pm.
