USL Phoenix Rising FC

Arizona United Looks to End Scoring Drought in Final Match of Road Trip

April 14, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Arizona United Soccer Club finishes off a grueling five-match road trip when the club faces Real Monarchs SLC Friday, April 15 at 6:00 p.m. Making the road trip even tougher: the team's dearth of goals.

"We're working on counter attacking and using the ball a lot better," said Arizona United head coach Frank Yallop. "In the last two games we weren't really creating any good chances and with the ability that we have we should (be creating chances). ... They worked hard in practice and they do some really some good stuff, but when the lights come on you have to show that you're ready to play and ready to go."

Arizona United showed flashes of offensive brilliance in a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC 2 on March 30. In that match, the club outshot Seattle 10-8 and had more shots on target (4-2). Since then Arizona hasn't found the back of the net over two matches against Sacramento Republic FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

"I thought (our last) game was the worst performance we've had this season," Yallop said. "We didn't expect to win, I felt, and that was disappointing to me to watch, not just the game itself but to watch it again on DVD. I thought we were second best in everything and we weren't prepared to put our bodies on the line in that match.

"I've addressed it. We worked hard today (in training). And I want to see a reaction on Friday. We need to get a win. ... (But) the guys have responded fantastically (in training)."

Yallop said the main focus heading into the match is scoring first and putting all the pressure on Real Monarchs early, something the team has struggled with. But, Yallop pointed out, with the addition of players who have been injured or took long to sign (midfielders Luke Rooney, Blair Gavin, and Tony Cascio; forward Tyler Blackwood; and defender Peter Kelly) Arizona United will become more dangerous offensively and more stout defensively.

"Not to make excuses, but they're quality players we're going to have back in the lineup that will help us," Yallop said.

Scouting Report: Real Monarchs SLC are unbeaten in three matches this season (2-0-1). Their starting goalkeeper, Lalo Fernandez, has two shutouts, his latest one earning him USL Team of the Week honors. Not only does the team have a wall between the pipes, but they have one of the most dangerous scoring threats in the league at the top. Forward Maikon Orellana already has three goals (tied for second-most in the country) and one assist.

Previous meetings: In three matches against Real Monarchs SLC, Arizona United is 1-2-0. The club's last win over the Monarchs came on June 27, 2015. In that match, defender Scotty Morrison scored the game winner in stoppage time.

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