FC Tucson forward Kevin King scored a late goal to extend his club's winning streak to four matches and keep it undefeated at home.
The goal came in the 85th minute to give Tucson a 1-0 victory over the visiting Pali Blues in front of 634 spectators at Kino Sports Complex North Field No. 5 on Saturday night.
FC Tucson (4-1, 3-1 league) had multiple chances to score early in the second half but didn't find the net until King knocked in his goal from the left side.
Forward Max Alvarez broke loose on the opposite side and passed into the mixer, but instead King, who entered the game in the 45th minute, found a shot and couldn't resist it.
"Sometimes a lose ball doesn't come across like that in two months," King said. "We always have at least three players in the box, so if it passes the first two players there should be a back man, and luckily it was me."
FC Tucson coach Rick Schantz said he was very happy with the way King scored and that he hopes he can soak it in after some recent tough times.
"I couldn't be happier for any other player," he said.
King's goal wasn't the only thing to come late in the game. The Cactus Pricks, a group of FC Tucson's loyal followers, didn't show up until the 37th minute because they were watching the United States' 5-1 win over Scotland on TV.
Tucson controlled the ball for most of the first half and outshot the Blue 9-5, but it still wasn't able to come up with a goal. Tucson's best chance may have been in the 42nd minute when Thomas Iwasaki fired an open shot to the middle of the frame only to have it saved.
That shot came just seconds after a corner kick from the left by Reid Schmitt. Tucson scrambled in the mixer and got a couple of shots off before Iwasaki got his chance on a deflection.
Pali's best chance to score came in the 20th minute when FC Tucson defender Conor Spence sent a poorly-kicked ball back to goalkeeper Brendan Roslund who was barely able to kick the ball and keep it from going in. The Blues were unable to get a shot off on the ensuing corner kick from the left.
FC Tucson's next match is a friendly Tuesday night at the Phoenix Monsoon.
Up next
• What: FC Tucson at Phoenix Monsoon
• Where: Rose Mofford Sports Complex
• When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
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