United Creates Chances But Falls Short in 0-0 Draw with OKC Energy FC

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

PEORIA - For a second consecutive week, Arizona United Soccer Club had the most chances and the most entertaining chances of the evening. But it wasn't enough to find the back of the net and the club tied with OKC Energy FC, 0-0, in front of 3,108 fans. Arizona United remains unbeaten at home.

"I think it's a little bit of lack of quality of play and a little bit of luck (not) going our way," said Arizona Untied assistant coach Marc Bircham. "It's been there for us. ... A little bit of change of luck and we could've scored at least two goals as well."

The best chances of the evening came in the 6oth minute. Midfielder Luke Rooney smashed a free kick that knuckled toward OKC's Cody Laurendi before he punched it over the crossbar at the last minute. After the ensuing corner kick, defender Uchenna Uzo out-jumped hs defender to head the ball toward the goal. But his shot smacked the post.

"It's very frustrating," Rooney said. "We created plenty of chances. The first half was comfortable for us even though we could've done better in the final third. ... I think we have to take responsibility and we should be putting the ball in the back of the net. ... I should've scored at least one or two today."

Arizona United pressured the Energy defense early and often to begin the match. In the 16th minute, United got its first chance on target. Forward Sam Garza blasted a shot from 25 yards out, but it was denied by Laurendi.

In the 22nd minute, Rooney shook off his defender and sent a powerful cross toward Long Tan in the middle of the box. But Tan's header went wide. Then in the 39th minute, United had its most excruciating chance. Off a corner kick, Uzo managed to get a toe onto the ball and sent it rolling painfully slow toward the net. But the ball hit the post and went wide right.

"You know, I think we have good possession (and) we're getting opportunities going forward," said goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski. "It's just you know a couple lucky bounces here and there. A good cross ... a deflection, that's all it's going to take. I think once we breakthrough, those floodgates, the scoring goals, they'll come and they'll come hot."

Arizona United SC is now 2-3-2 on the season. OKC Energy FC is 1-1-3. Arizona United heads back on the road next Saturday, May 14, against OC Blues FC. The match will begin at 7:00 pm and can be watched at ArizonaUnited.com.

Arizona United with the Ball

United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 8, 2016

• Switchbacks Earn Clean Sheet Victory in Heavily Contest Match at Orange County - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
• Hammerheads Face Independence for First Time this Season - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
• Romeo Parkes' Contract Terminated - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
• Difficult Loss for Wilmington in Richmond - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
• Match Preview: Charleston at Harrisburg - Charleston Battery
• United Creates Chances But Falls Short in 0-0 Draw with OKC Energy FC - Phoenix Rising FC
• Republic FC score two goals, earn fourth shutout of the season - Sacramento Republic FC

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