Home Field Advantage

In my last post I mentioned what sports fans call "Home Field Advantage". This is relevant because soccer season has started again and FC Tucson is in full swing. FC Tucson played two games this past week. One against our biggest rival Phoenix FC, and one against the So Cal Searhorses. Since the dust has settled over both games, I can say I was happy with the way the team has performed so far. I think they have a solid group of players who can make a push for a top 3 finish in the PDL this year (we got second last year). Having attended both games there was no way I wouldn't bring my camera. Being a big soccer fan, it's exciting that my hometown finally has a legit team I can cheer for. Since soccer has started again its given me a reason to use my telephoto lens. I must say, for the $20 that I spent on that old boy, it has been absolutely worth every penny. I know I've said it multiple times before but, don't worry so much about your gear. Focus on what matters: composition, lighting, angles, and getting in the zone/action. There is an old quote I'd like to share with you. "If your photos aren't good enough, you're not close enough". - Robert Capa. You can get such better photos by physically getting closer to the action, but remember this. When you get closer to the animals, you smell the shit, so be ready for it. Until next time.

All photos on this post taken with a Nikon 80-200mm F/3.8 lens mounted on a Canon T2i body

FC Tucson presented with a great scoring opportunity as #9 Ricardo Velasco heads the ball towards goal. It's cleared off the line by a defender. Sooo close

#5 Saeed Robinson challenges for the ball

Turning on the style

Battling for the ball

The shot was to be Tucson's equalizer at 1-1

The team celebrates the equalizer

 Referee awards a penalty kick for a clear foul from behind on #5 Saeed Robinson in the box 

The assist from #5 Saeed Robinson that led to the winning goal

The 94th minute shot was to be the winning goal. What a way to snatch the win right at the end

The team celebrates the glorious 2-1 win over Phoenix FC

End of photos against Phoenix

Start of the game against So Cal

Foul inside the box

Referee awards a penalty kick

#9 Ricardo Velasco steps up to take the penalty kick

Goalie can't save the penalty kick

1-0 to FC Tucson after the penalty is converted

A bit of dancing to celebrate the opening goal of the night

Ready to pull the trigger

This shot bounced off the frame of the goal and out for a goal kick

Beautiful through pass from #11 to setup FC Tucson's second goal

#23 takes one touch to control the ball, turns his hips, then lashes the ball into the net to make it 2-0

Celebrating the second goal pointing to the home fans

#9 Ricardo Velasco tormented the So Cal left back defender all night

Regardless if you think this was a red card or not, it was a reckless high kick and could have been way worse

Straight Red

#23 carries the ball into the box to lay it off for #9 to score

Well placed shot

GGGOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!!!!!!

Thanking his teammate for the putting the ball on a platter 

Ricardo Velasco makes it 3-1 to FC Tucson

Celebrating scoring the team's third goal

Good sportsmanship