WINDSOR, Colo. – In a midweek clash, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC host FC Tucson Wednesday night. FC Tucson is coming off a bye week in Week 20. The last-place side is winless in their last six matches, sitting 14 points out of the playoff picture.
One bright spot for Tucson this season has been midfielder Louis Pérez. The Frenchman is amongst the top in USL League One for assists (5) and chances created (34). The Hailstorm didn’t see much of Pérez in their last meeting, as he came on in the 81st minute with Tucson reduced to 10 men.
In goal, Carlos Merancio Valdez has played every minute this season for Tucson. Merancio Valdez has kept two clean sheets, the last coming on June 18 against Central Valley Fuego FC. Tucson has the worst goal differential in the league, entering Week 21 at -12.
Sitting at nine goals, Irvin Parra is the Hailstorm leader in goals. Parra found the back of the net in the 1-1 draw last week against Union Omaha. He has scored in three of the previous six matches, with the Hailstorm taking home points in all three.
The schedule is friendly down the stretch for the Hailstorm. Five of the last nine matches this season come against clubs currently outside the playoff picture, with four of those at home. Only one point off a playoff spot, Northern Colorado is ready to make a run for the USL League One Playoffs.
The kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. MDT at Severance High School in Severance, Colorado. Expect clear skies and the temperature to be in the 70s. This game, as with all USL League One games this season, will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The future home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports tournaments, events, leagues, and more.