February 20, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – FC Tucson News Release
There were two new teams in the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, but it was a familiar face that got things started Sunday morning.
Former FC Tucson standout Charlie Dennis scored once and drew a penalty that nearly resulted in another goal as his new USL Championship side Oakland Roots edged FC Tulsa, 3-2, at the Kino North Grandstand.
Dennis, who had nine goals in two seasons in Tucson, knocked in a volley from the middle of the box to open scoring in his return.
Oakland was awarded a penalty a few minutes later when Dennis was taken down in the box. Captain Matias Fissore stepped up to take it, but was denied by Tulsa goalkeeper Sean Lewis.
Tulsa was awarded a penalty at the other end of the pitch. Darío Suárez easily converted to tie the game at 1-1.
Oakland was awarded a second penalty kick in the second half. Fissore stepped up once again to take it and slotted it into the right corner of the net putting the Roots up 2-1.
Oakland defender Danny Barbir knocked in a volley from close range to give the Roots a comfortable 3-1 lead.
Tulsa had a free kick late in the second half. Oakland goalkeeper stepped off his line to grab the ball, but missed. Josue Flores quickly reclaimed the ball and sent it into the back of the net for Tulsa’s second of the match.
Oakland came into the match with experience from three closed-door matches in California. The club grabbed a 4-0 win over Academia SC of the NPSL, a 1-0 win over USL League Two side Ventura Fusion and a 1-0 win over MLS side San Jose Earthquakes. This was FC Tulsa’s second preseason match, having previously lost 3-1 to USL Championship side Colorado Switchbacks in Casa Grande.
The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson continues on Feb. 26 when FC Tucson plays its first preseason match against the Oakland Roots at Kino North Field 1 at 12 p.m.
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