USL United Soccer League Championship

Arizona United Set for Home Opener

Published on April 11, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - Arizona United SC makes its USL PRO debut on Saturday night as it hosts OKC Energy FC at the Peoria Sports Complex, highlighting a big weekend of action in USL PRO that includes a pair of playoff rematches.

Led by Owner Kyle Eng and General Manager Kevin Stephenson, United has assembled a talented roster that will be coached by former FC Dallas player and University of Maryland assistant coach Michael Dellorusso. Arizona includes a number of former MLS players, and also has players with strong USL PRO experience such as midfielder Matt Kassel, a 2012 USL PRO All-League selection prior to joining the Philadelphia Union.

Others on the squad include FC Dallas loanee Jonathan Top and former MLS players Paolo DelPiccolo and London Woodberry. They will face an Energy side looking for its second win of the season after a trip to California that saw it claim a 2-0 win against Orange County before falling 4-2 against the LA Galaxy II.

The weekend's action begins on Friday night as the Dayton Dutch Lions host their home opener at 7 p.m. ET against the Rochester Rhinos looking to build on a 1-0 win against Charlotte last week. Rochester, which opened the season with a 3-1 loss at Orlando, is set to have Tyler Rosenlund make his 100th appearance for the club and will aim to overturn a pair of 3-1 defeats against the Dutch Lions last season.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds also host their home opener on Saturday night as they welcome the Wilmington Hammerheads to Highmark Stadium at 7 p.m. ET. Both teams are looking for their first wins of the season, with a sellout expected as the "˜Hounds return home after earning a point from their first two games.

Also on Saturday night, there are a pair of playoff rematches as the Charlotte Eagles host the Richmond Kickers at 7 p.m. ET, and the Charleston Battery visit Orlando City at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Eagles are looking to bounce back from defeat in their opening game, but will be challenged by a Kickers side that has scored five goals in its first two outings.

The Lions and Battery meet for the second time this season having played to a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the season on March 22. Since then, the Battery took another point from a draw with Richmond, while the Lions claimed a win and a draw at home. The Battery will aim to end Orlando's remarkable home record against them, with the Lions having won all six meetings held in Orlando.

Sacramento Republic FC rounds out the weekend's schedule with a trip to Southern California that sees it visit the Orange County Blues FC at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday night before making the short drive to face the LA Galaxy II on Sunday at 10:30 p.m. ET. Republic FC claimed a draw with the Galaxy II in their first meeting, and will aim to remain undefeated in its inaugural season.

Every game of the 2014 USL PRO season can be seen live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+. Stay up to date with news, previews and match reports from throughout the league via USLPROSoccer.com.

SCHEDULE

Friday, April 11

Dayton vs. Rochester, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, April 12

Pittsburgh vs. Wilmington, 7 p.m. ET

Charlotte vs. Richmond, 7 p.m. ET

Orlando vs. Charleston, 7:30 p.m. ET

Orange County vs. Sacramento, 10 p.m. ET

Arizona vs. Oklahoma City, 10:10 p.m. ET

Sunday, April 13

LA Galaxy II vs. Sacramento, 10:30 p.m. ET

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 11, 2014


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