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USL Phoenix Rising FC

PREVIEW: Stronger Starts and Tighter Defense a Focus

July 8, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Week 16 - In the face of suffocating heat and unrelenting fitness training, Arizona United Soccer Club hasn't had an issue finishing most of their matches strong. But heading into this Saturday's match with Swope Park Rangers (7:30 P.M.) at the Peoria Sports Complex, beginning matches on the front foot has been tougher.

That came to a head last Saturday in a 3-2 loss to Tulsa Roughnecks FC.

"We just started poorly," said Arizona United head coach Frank Yallop. "I just think it's a lack of concentration and lack of effort in the first half hour of the game. ... We created a bunch of chances and we could've gotten right back into the game, but we didn't. But we can't concede three goals in any game and expect to win it or tie it."

Yallop said the team concentrated on the first half during video study. Playing tight and aggressive defense from the beginning was a point of emphasis and Yallop said he felt the team responded well during training.

"We spoke about it," said forward Tyler Blackwood. "There's nothing you can do (now). You can't get the points back. All you can do is learn from it. ... We'll learn from it."

Blackwood added: "We got a bit of punishment from the coaches this week in terms of a bit of running. That was to warn us, 'Let's not let it happen again.' "

While the club began July with a loss, Yallop is still encouraged by the club's performance in June and what that may entail for the team the rest of the season.

"We had half an hour off," Yallop said. "We had a good June. A lot of points, eight points in the month and we're looking forward to this weekend and trying to get maximum points and then give us a chance to move up the table again."

Arizona United returns to the Peoria Sports Complex this Saturday, July 9, to kick off against Swope Park Rangers at 7:30 P.M. Gates open at 5:30 P.M. and tickets can be purchased at www.ArizonaUnited.com.

Scouting Report: Forward Kris Tyrpak will be an unwelcome familiar face. The current Swope Park player scored two goals and notched an assist in four matches against Arizona United last season while he was with the Austin Aztex. His teammate, Dane Kelly, also has past success against Arizona United. He scored a brace in a 2-0 win while at Charleston Battery in 2014.

Overall Swope Park has five players with at least three or more goals this season: the best mark in the Western Conference. The team has scored a goal in nine consecutive matches, tied for the longest streak in USL this season.

Previous meeting: This is the first, and only, time the two clubs will meet in regular season play. Arizona United opened preseason play against Swope Park earlier in the year at the Desert Diamond Cup. The teams played to a 0-0 draw.

Twitter: Arizona United SC | Swope Park Rangers

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Instagram: Arizona United SC | Swope Park Rangers

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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.

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