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USL Phoenix Rising FC

Arizona United Comes from Behind to Earn 1-1 Draw with Rio Grande Valley FC

June 22, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Arizona United vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
Arizona United vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
(Phoenix Rising FC)

Arizona United Soccer Club fell behind in the first half against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, but a second-half equalizer from Tyler Blackwood allowed United to walk away with a 1-1 draw.

"We hung in there, we only went a goal down, kept it at one and then changed the formation a bit at halftime and it worked," said Arizona United head coach Frank Yallop. "Tyler (Blackwood) did a good job of scoring and we did a good job of hanging on. ... I think a draw was a fair result."

Blackwood's game-tying goal came in the 63rd minute. The Toros had just missed out on a chance to double their lead after a shot smacked against the underside of the crossbar and then bounced out. After the ball was cleared, forward Chris Cortez kicked a long pass downfield to Blackwood.

Blackwood got behind his defender and rushed down the field to meet up with the ball. Once he got inside the penalty box, just to the right of the net, he fired a shot past the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

"The players deserve a lot of credit," Yallop said. "They kept going. They fought. They never quit on us or themselves and it's a fantastic point for us."

Rio Grande Valley scored first in the 21st minute. Jose Escalante threaded a pass through the defense and found a streaking Eric Bird down the middle of the field. Bird took a few touches, then beat Arizona goalkeeper Jordan Stagmiller to take a 1-0 lead.

With the draw, Arizona United extends its unbeaten streak to three matches. The team returns home this Saturday, June 22, to take on Sacramento Republic FC at Peoria Sports Complex. The match will kickoff at 7:30 P.M.

Fans can arrive early for a U.S. Soccer watch party. Gates will open at 4:30 P.M. and fans must purchase a ticket for Saturday's Arizona United match for entrance to the party.

Fans who attend the U.S. Soccer match are also encouraged to come out. Those with a ticket stub from the Copa America third-place match can bring their ticket to the Peoria Sports Complex box office when they purchase their ticket for Saturday's match and receive an additional ticket for free.

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Arizona United vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
Arizona United vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 22, 2016


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