With new ownership and expanded staff, Tucson FC is reinventing itself as an independent professional football club, Tucson Sports

Powers will have help in the new season, which is slated to run from May to October. She has hired a Vice President of Sales, a Director of Community Engagement and Game Day Operations, a Director of Finance and Administration, and a Community Development Advisor. The club plans to announce a new apparel supplier soon.

“We are professionalizing the organization,” said Powers, adding that she is grateful for the help. “There I had to do social media for a while, bookkeeping, whatever was necessary. That’s what you do when trying to keep a business alive. “

With Johnson supporting the club and new employees already working hard, Tucson FC thinks big.

So: “We want a kid from southern Arizona on the US men’s national team in 2026,” said Powers. “If (Johnson) is involved in producing top talent from the two clubs in Arizona, why not?”

It’s a grand vision, Powers admits, but not impossible. Former Tucson FC players Aaron Long and Aaron Herrera both played in their last game for the US men’s national team. Long played three seasons (2011-13) with the Men in Black, appeared in 24 games and scored six goals. In 2013 he played eight games and scored three goals. Herrera, a defender, started 16 games for Tucson from 2016-17.

“Two children who wore the Tucson FC crest are now on the men’s national team,” said Powers. “We work in sport and when the World Cup is the biggest event in the world. We want Tucson FC to be a part of it. “

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