Shorthanded Phoenix FC Holds on for 0 - 0 Tie vs. Real Salt Lake
April 23, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix FC News Release
SANDY, Utah (April 22, 2013) - The first meeting between Phoenix FC of USL PRO and Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer ended in a scoreless draw Monday night in front of a crowd of 8,263 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, UT.
The match's first half was highlighted by brawl that earned three red cards: goalkeeper Andrew Weber and defender Renan Felipe Boufleur were ejected for Phoenix FC; and defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe for Real Salt Lake. Following a missed Real Salt Lake free kick attempt, a scuffle at the edge of Phoenix FC's box quickly turned into both teams fighting.
Phoenix FC was outmanned 10 - 9 for the remainder of the game. Talented Phoenix FC player Netinho, who started on defense tonight, went down in the with what appeared to be a head injury in the second half after going up for a ball. He was replaced by Reid Schmitt in the 77th minute.
Real Salt Lake attacked furiously in the second half with the added advantage, but Phoenix FC's defense made key stops when needed. Goalkeeper Sheldon Parkinson, who was in for the ejected Andrew Weber, survived numerous wide shots and kept Real Salt Lake from reaching the back of the net.
With time running down, Real Salt Lake pushed its side for one last offensive effort but came up empty after 5 minutes of stoppage play. Despite registering 24 shots to Phoenix FC's 4 shots, the match ended in a tie and the outcome will count for each teams' respective standings. Phoenix FC will earn one point for the away draw.
Monday's game was a part of the groundbreaking partnership announced by MLS and USL PRO earlier this year. As part of the partnership, each MLS side that isn't directly affiliated with a USL Pro club will play a home-and-home Reserve League series against a team from USL PRO. The RSL Reserves will travel to Arizona for this series' return leg at Phoenix FC on June 15 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
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