USL Phoenix Rising FC

Arizona United's "T.L.C." Hope to Keep Wreaking Havoc

Published on August 12, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Week 21 - Heading into Arizona United Soccer Club's next match this Saturday, August 13, against San Antonio FC at Peoria Sports Complex (7:30 P.M. kickoff), the club's most dangerous scoring threat has an innocuous nickname.

T.L.C.

Whether it makes you think of "tender, loving, care," the 90s girl group, or the channel with shows like "Say Yes To The Dress," it's not the most intimidating acronym. But Tyler Blackwood (T), Long Tan (L), and Chris Cortez (C), hope it will strike fear in opposing defenders as the club makes a push for a playoff spot.

"T.L.C. is coming," joked Tan.

Arizona United's T.L.C. has been a major reason the club has scored a goal in 14 straight matches coming into this weekend. At least one of the trio has scored a goal in 11 of the 14 matches. And in two of those matches, including last Sunday's 3-1 win over OC Blues FC, the trio has all scored in the same match.

"It clicked a long time ago in training when we realized we liked playing with each other," Blackwood said. "But when we all scored in a game for the first time (against Real Monarchs on July 22), I think just seeing all three of our names on the scoreboard ... it just looks good and feels good to be playing with these guys. That was the game that really made me realize we have a good connection up top."

Added Cortez: "Even in trainings we try to be on the same teams a lot of the time to keep that (connection) going because we know we can find each other, which makes stuff easier in training and then comes the game and it's pretty effortless."

Recently the team has had success scoring on the counter attack and head coach Frank Yallop said having the three forwards on the field at once makes the counter that much more dangerous. With space to run at the defense, the forward trio has room to "roam and go" as Yallop put it.

"They have confidence and I think that's everything," Yallop said.

The head coach also believes the team's general defending has improved thanks to its sharp counter attack. Now that the team can defend a little deeper and more compact, knowing it can strike against the run of play, it's been more difficult for the opponents' attack.

But it will be the opposition's defense that could be in trouble as the season winds down to a close. Every game is another chance for the trio to get to know each other on the pitch. And they already know a lot about each other.

"At this stage of the season, we understand each other," Blackwood said. "Whoever is up top, when the ball comes off the counter: if Long gets it he knows that I want the ball a little set so that I can hit it our front and take it in stride. If I get the ball, I know exactly what Long wants or exactly what Chris wants. We've played with each other for enough minutes that we know exactly what we want so the transition from defense to attack is smooth."

Arizona United SC takes on San Antonio FC on Saturday, August 13, at Peoria Sports Complex. Kickoff is at 7:30 P.M. Prior to the match, Arizona United is hosting a concert featuring The Technicolors that will begin at 6:30 P.M. Gates open at 5:30 P.M. Tickets can be purchased at www.ArizonaUnited.com.

Scouting Report: San Antonio FC's defense has been stout for much of the season. In 20 matches, the club has given up two or more goals just four times. Only three teams in the conference have allowed fewer goals than San Antonio's 22. So the clash between United's offensive firepower (they have scored three goals in three of their last four matches) and San Antonio's suffocating defense should be a good one.

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