Tucson, AZ. (June 12, 2021) – The Red Wolves travelled to Kino North Stadium in Tucson Saturday night to face an FC Tucson side in good form as of late. 105-degree weather at kickoff did nothing to frustrate the hungry Red Wolves in the first half, who looked sharp from the first whistle. Obleda’s men, looking to redeem themselves after a poor showing under poor weather conditions in Statesboro, created chances early and often throughout the game and finally found a breakthrough in the 27th minute. A saved close-range effort from Jimmie Villalobos found its way-out to Blake Frischknecht. The striker whipped in a low cross to early season standout Ricky Ruiz who fired past Lapsley in the Tucson goal to make it 1-0 Red Wolves.
The Red Wolves didn’t let up after the first goal and looked to increase the lead before the halftime whistle. In the 33rd minute Carrera-Garcia took a great free kick that was saved by Lapsley in goal, then full match debutant Rey Ortiz was unlucky to have a brilliant curling effort saved by the Tucson goalkeeper. However, the relentless pressure would eventually pay off, as Ricky Ruiz once again found himself amongst the goals. A beautiful cross found its way to Chattanooga’s own Jonathan Ricketts, slamming a thumping header past Lapsley for his first goal of the season and first goal of his professional career. The emphatic header took Obleda’s squad into halftime well in control and up 2-0 in the desert heat.
The second half started off well for the Red Wolves, who looked to keep the energy levels high under the lights at Kino North Stadium. Wallace Lapsley was the hero for FC Tucson, denying attempt after attempt for Obleda’s side, namely an unlucky Jimmy Villalobos who was denied on multiple occasions. However, right when it seemed the Red Wolves were tightening the screws FC Tucson fought back. It was substitute Charlie Dennis who changed the game for the home side, scoring a tandem of fantastic goals from outside the box to level the score late in the second half.
With the game level, manager Jimmy Obleda brought on striker Juan Galindrez to make the difference, and once again he delivered for the travelling Red Wolves. Backed by a fantastic group of travelling supporters, Galindrez made magic once again for the away side. His goal came in the 89th minute, and it was the evening’s star Ricky Ruiz who provided the spark. The left back played the ball through to Galindrez, who slammed the ball past Lapsley for the eventual game winner. The goal was the second time the Colombian striker found late inspiration for the Red Wolves, and the three points put Obleda’s side right back into contention at the top of the USL League One standings.
The Red Wolves look to carry positive momentum back to CHI Memorial Stadium on Saturday, June 20th, as North Carolina travels to Chattanooga.
