USL Phoenix Rising FC

Arizona United Shows Improvement in 2-1 Win over Grand Canyon

March 15, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


As the preseason nears a close, Arizona United Soccer Club is beginning to play its best soccer. The team had arguably its best half of play in preseason during a 2-1 win over Grand Canyon University.

"It was a difficult game playing against these guys at home because they were raved up for it," said Arizona United head coach Frank Yallop. "But I thought we handled it great. I thought we moved the ball well and had some great chances."

United continues to improve offensively, moving the ball well and creating plenty of scoring chances. But, as Yallop said he pointed out to the team, the final passes of an attack are still lacking sharpness.

Leaving a few opportunities empty handed didn't hurt the team in this match, but it could be damaging once the USL season begins.

"All in all, I was pleased with most of the play (and) pleased with the result," Yallop said. "I don't like conceding goals, but that's life. We dug in there."

Arizona was on the front foot in the attack for much of the first half, dominating possession and chances created.

In the fifth minute United had its first real chance of the afternoon when Sam Garza got behind the defense along the right side of the field and whipped a cross into the box for Chris Cortez. But Cortez's shot attempt went high.

Three minutes later, Tony Cascio attacked the same area of the field. But rather than cross the ball into the center of the box, he cut back to his left and unleashed a low shot that was stopped.

Cascio continued being dangerous on the right side, nearly setting up Cortez and Gaza for goals. Then, in the 17th minute, Cascio completed a smooth give-and-go with Garza on the left side of the box.

That sprung Cascio free and he had the space to beat the goalkeeper and give Arizona a 1-0 lead.

"I think everyone's been doing well," said midfielder Blair Gavin. "We're starting to learn our roles within the team. We're starting to be more dynamic going forward. We're missing that final touch a little bit, but that comes."

Arizona made wholesale changes for the second half, primarily playing trialists. It didn't stop them from extending their lead.

In the 59th minute, United created some great build up down the left side of the field. That created space for one of the club's trialists to send a strong cross into the box. Midfielder Rudi Skarcel got on the end of it, and beat the goalkeeper easily put the team up 2-0.

"Creating chances is difficult to do," Yallop said. "But today we created chances."

Grand Canyon scored its lone goal off a penalty kick in the 83rd minute.

Arizona United Soccer Club ends its preseason slate of matches against outside competition with a 2-2-2 record. The club will play an intrasquad friendly this Saturday, March 19, on the campus of Arizona State University. That match will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be open and free to the public.

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