USL Phoenix Rising FC

Arizona United SC Defender Scott Morrison Retires

Published on April 25, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Arizona United SC Defender Scott Morrison
Arizona United SC Defender Scott Morrison
(Phoenix Rising FC)

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Arizona United Soccer Club announced today that defender Scott Morrison has decided to retire. Morrison, who is the only player to suit up in all four years professional soccer as been in the Valley, will be a part of the Arizona United Soccer Club coaching staff for the remainder of the season, following a 13-year professional career.

"It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from playing professional soccer," Morrison said. "For as long as I can remember I only ever wished to be professional soccer player so it has been a dream to make this a reality."

Morrison will be honored during a pregame ceremony for Arizona United SC's home opener at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 against Portland Timbers 2.

"Scott Morrison helped professional soccer grow in the Valley," said Arizona United Soccer Club founder and co-chair Kyle Eng. "Scotty helped us build the sport up on the field and he's going to continue doing that as an assistant coach and an ambassador for the club off the field. He'll be a wonderful addition to our club's efforts to promote soccer in Arizona."

Morrison ends his Arizona United career having played 3,883 minutes in 54 appearances from 2014-2016. Both club records. He scored four goals and added an assist. Morrison also spent a season with the United Soccer League's Phoenix FC in 2013, USL's first year in the Valley. Coming into this season, Morrison was the only player who was on the roster for all four years the USL has had a franchise in Phoenix.

The final two goals of his career were both game winners. On June 27, 2015, Morrison hit a long-distance strike from outside of the box to hand Arizona United a 2-1 win in stoppage time over Real Monarchs SLC. It was the club's No. 1 goal of the year. Morrison's final career goal came at home against OC Blues FC on July 5. Morrison's free kick curled over a mass of players and beat the Blues' goalkeeper to give Arizona United a 1-0 lead en route to a 2-0 win.

Prior to his time in Phoenix, Morrison played professionally in Scotland from 2003 to 2012. He began his professional career with his hometown club, Aberdeen FC, just eight days after first signing with the club. He made 49 appearances with the club from 2003 to 2005 before moving on to another Scottish side, Dunfermline Athletic. After 32 appearances from 2005 to 2008, Morrison signed with Scottish side Ross County and appeared in 130 matches from 2008 to 2012.

Scott Morrison Full Statement

It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from playing professional soccer. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a professional soccer player. So, it has been a dream to make this a reality.

As many people were aware, I picked up a career-threatening knee injury 11 years ago. I was extremely fortunate to have my operation and rehabilitation carried out by Dr. Steadman in Colorado. I consider the past ten years of playing an added blessing.

I couldn't have achieved this without my beautiful wife Emma, my amazing kids, and my entire family, who have kept me strong. I feel fortunate that my career has taken me to the United States and more specifically Arizona. My family and I now consider Arizona to be home. And I'm extremely excited to move forward with my career as an assistant coach with the club.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Kyle Eng for allowing me to further my career by signing me to play with Arizona United these last three seasons. I also want to thank Frank Yallop and Marc Bircham for allowing me to join their coaching staff. I'm excited to begin this next stage of my career.

And lastly, thank you to all of my teammates past and present and to the supporters who have been a part of this journey with me over the past three seasons at Arizona United.

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Arizona United SC Defender Scott Morrison
Arizona United SC Defender Scott Morrison
   



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