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USL Phoenix Rising FC

Ringhof Nets First Goal, Enjoying Time with United

May 28, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Arizona United Defender Julian Ringhof
Arizona United Defender Julian Ringhof
(Phoenix Rising FC)

Heading into last weekend's match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, defender Julian Ringhof had never scored a professional goal in the U.S. The rest of his team also had a bit of a goaless drought: no one had scored directly off a corner this season.

Ringhof broke both streaks in the 21st minute of the match to help Arizona United equalize with the Switchbacks.

"We've talked to coaches about how we haven't been good on corner kicks this year, so I guess it was about time we got one in off a corner kick," said Ringhof. "At the moment when I scored it, I thought it was a pretty big moment [because] we struggled at the beginning of the game, I thought it could get us back into the game so it was a nice feeling."

He later added it was "nice to finally get that first goal."

Born in Frieburg, Germany, Ringhof played his collegiate career at the University of San Diego. While there, he was named to the First Team All-WCC twice and Second Team once.

After his rookie season with the 2015 USL Champion Rochester Rhinos, Ringhof says he's enjoying his time with Arizona United.

"The set up we have is really good," Ringhoff said. "It's a very professional environment. Now we just [have to] start getting some results, but overall I'm pretty happy with the team."

Ringhof has reason to be happy. He's built a solid wall in front of the goal this year, combining with fellow center back Uchenna Uzo.

"I guess it's an interesting combination," Ringhof said. "He's from Nigeria, I'm from Germany. Our style of play is quite different, but I think we compliment each other really well."

Ringhof said the duo still have a few things to work on but overall he believes they've done a good job playing together.

As the German native continues to learn and grow as a defender, he said he's learned one thing about playing in USL that has stuck with him.

"I learned that, especially in the USL, you need everyone to play hard, you need to stick together, have good structure and then you can go very far," he said. "It's not necessarily about having the best individual players, it's more of like having the best group of guys doing the same job at the same time."

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Arizona United Defender Julian Ringhof
Arizona United Defender Julian Ringhof
   

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