Sports stats

USL Phoenix Rising FC

Break from Home Stretch Not An Issue for Arizona United

June 21, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Following two consecutive wins at home, Arizona United Soccer Club must make a quick road trip to Texas for a mid-week match against Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday, June 22. (Kickoff is at 5:30 P.M.) Despite the club's first road trip since May 28, there is little worry that this break in home games will disrupt any rhythm the team has gotten into.

"I think the road trip is going to be good for us, honestly," said Arizona United goalkeeper Jordan Stagmiller. "We're getting closer again. We had that weekend off, I felt we needed. Then everyone came back and we're getting closer and I feel like a road trip will do us well. Get away from all the distractions."

Added midfielder Duncan McCormick: "The mentality stays the same. We've played well the past couple of games. As long as we go into this game right here with the same mentality and the same work rate, I think we'll get a good result."

Offensively, the team is coming off its best performance of the season. Head coach Frank Yallop was complimentary of his attacking players following Arizona United's 2-1 win last Saturday.

"I like our front four," Yallop said. "I think they are dangerous, we are dynamic, we are not predictable, which is a good thing sometimes. It showed tonight, I thought it was our best attacking display."

But the team is also improving defensively. Following a rough stretch where the club allowed ten goals in three matches, United has given up just one goal in the last two. It's been something the club focused on in training over the last couple of weeks. During defensive drills, Yallop set up the defense to be one or two players down compared to the offense.

"We had to work on stopping higher numbers facing us," said defender Uchenna Uzo on Saturday night. "When it came to the game, (defending the attack) just looked so much easier."

Heading into the match, Arizona United is sitting in 11th place with 15 points (a 4-5-3 record), just three points off the final playoff spot in the Western Conference (the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs). Rio Grande Valley FC is currently in 5th place with 22 points (6-4-4).

Scouting Report: Arizona United will recognize a couple of faces when they arrive at RGVFC Stadium. Former head coach Michael Dellorusso is an assistant with the club and midfielder George Malki made 28 appearances with the team in 2014 and 2015. On the field, the Toros were hot in the month of May and beginning of June, going unbeaten in six straight matches. But they're currently in the middle of a rough patch, having lost two of their last three. The team can score in bunches (20 goals) but can also give up goals in bunches as well (18 goals).

Previous meeting: This will be the first meeting ever between the two clubs. This will also be the clubs' only meeting.

Check out the Phoenix Rising FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 21, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Phoenix Rising FC Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central