Phoenix Claims First Victory
Published on April 1, 2013 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
PHOENIX - Phoenix FC claimed its first victory in franchise history as Netinho's first-half goal proved enough for a 1-0 win against fellow USL PRO newcomer VSI Tampa Bay FC in front of a sellout crowd of 4,198 fans at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium on Saturday night.
Phoenix opened the game sharply, with Diego Faria forcing the first opportunity in the fifth minute, drawing a save from VSI's Alex Horwath. Ten minutes later, though, there was nothing Tampa Bay's goalkeeper could do as a fine curling effort from 22 yards by Netinho gave the Wolves the lead, and their first goal in club history.
The Wolves continued to push forward, and Horwath had to be sharp to turn a header by Aaron King over the crossbar after a good cross by Donny Toia from the left. Tampa Bay gradually came into the game, and Phoenix goalkeeper twice had to make good saves to deny Andriy Budnyy before the halftime break.
Phoenix almost took a two-goal lead early in the second half, Diego Faria's goal being ruled out for offside after Aaron King's header had rebounded off the left post. Tampa Bay then went close as Weber turned away a looping shot from 20 yards in the 55th minute, and both Cyprian Hedrick and Devon Grousis had to make important interceptions as VSI continued to push for an equalizer later in the half.
Tampa Bay moves on to face the Los Angeles Blues on Tuesday evening at Sherbeck Field at 7 p.m. ET. Phoenix FC remains at home Sunday when it hosts Orlando City at 10:30 p.m. ET.
PRESEASON
Orlando City Sweeps Rowdies
ST. PETERSBURG - Orlando City claimed its third consecutive victory of the preseason against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night, as a late goal by Dom Dwyer earned a 3-2 victory at Al Lang Field. The Lions had previously defeated the Rowdies 2-0 at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic and 3-2 at the Florida Citrus Bowl on March 9.
The Lions got out to a fast start on Saturday night, Adama Mbengue playing in 2012 USL PRO Most Valuable Player Kevin Molino to open the scoring in the fifth minute. Orlando added to its lead in the 32nd minute when a shot by Dwyer was only parried by Rowdies goalkeeper Andrew Fontein, with Mbengue scoring on the rebound.
The Rowdies cut into the deficit before the halftime break, Takuya Yamada converting from the penalty spot after Georgi Hristov was brought down in the penalty area. They then pulled even six minutes into the second half, Amani Walker taking advantage of a looping through-ball to finish.
The Lions pulled out victory in the 90th minute, however, as Dwyer, on loan from Orlando's MLS affiliate Sporting Kansas City, drove home a finish from the top of the penalty area. The goal was Dwyer's ninth since arriving from Kansas City earlier in March.
CHARLESTON 1, CAROLINA 0: Jose Cuevas scored the only goal as the Charleston Battery took their second win of the preseason against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday afternoon at Blackbaud Stadium. The 2012 USL PRO Rookie of the Year, Cuevas finished the preseason with eight goals.
Chances were hard to come by for both teams, but Charleston took advantage of an opportunity in the 15th minute as Nicki Paterson flicked a cross from the left to Cuevas, who volleyed home emphatically.
The Battery, who took a 2-1 win against Carolina at WakeMed Soccer Park on March 14, held firm defensively, while Antigua & Barbuda international Quinton Griffith had a strong game, twice forcing saves by the RailHawks goalkeeper. The victory allowed the Battery to end the preseason on a 10-game undefeated streak.
USL PRO RESULTS
Saturday, March 30
Phoenix 1, Tampa Bay 0
USL PRO SCHEDULE
Tuesday, April 2
Tampa Bay at Los Angeles, 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, April 6
Pittsburgh at Richmond, 7 p.m. ET
Sunday, April 7
Tampa Bay at Portland Reserves, 5 p.m. ET
LA Galaxy Reserves at Los Angeles, 7 p.m. ET
Orlando at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m. ET
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 1, 2013
- Dayton Dutch Lions FC Adds Coolidge Wall as Sponsor - Dayton Dutch Lions
- Phoenix Claims First Victory - USL
- Kickers Renew Front-Of-Jersey Sponsorship - Richmond Kickers
- Lions Kick off Regular Season on the Road Sunday - Orlando City SC
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