100+ Hopefuls Sign Up for Phoenix FC Tryouts

Phoenix FC Head Coach David Robertson follows the action on three 

practice fields as he watches open tryouts for the 2014 season.

The Phoenix FC Wolves open tryouts are under way at Peoria's Pioneer Park.  The tryouts were announced on Jan. 16, and more than 100 players signed up for two days of workouts and scrimmages with the hopes of getting the attention of Head Coach David Robertson and staff.

Though comprised mainly of local players, this year's tryout pool includes players with experience across the globe.

Quentin Lendresse (red pinny) duels for control of the ball with Gilbert's Sadiq Mohamed 

during Saturday's Phoenix FC open tryout at Pioneer Park in Peoria.  Lendresse, from Paris, 

hopes to play in the U.S. after playing in France and Brazil.

Robertson seemed pleased with the caliber of players who journeyed to this year's tryouts.

"I think our level of players here this year compared to last is pretty high," Robertson said. "We've got guys who have been going to different combines and tryouts. They're not so much chasing a dream, but, they all want to keep playing.  I think they need to keep things simple and make sure they're not overdoing things."

Quickness is what the coaching staff is watching for among prospective players with an emphasis on rapid touches to keep the ball moving.

"The USL PRO is such a tough league," Robertson added.  "It's hard. You've got a lot of athletic players with a lot of speed.  The game's quick and you get closed down quick a lot. You've just got to play the ball quickly and that's what we're trying to look for here."

Saturday's tryouts saw the players divide into six teams - some coordinated by players from the 2013 Wolves squad including Devon Grousis, Josh Bento, Jose Ramos, David Paul and Humberto Soriano. Scrimmages got underway after a brief period of warm-ups and drills. Robertson rotated between the fields, occasionally taking notes and conferring with members of his staff.

Devon Grousis (left) discusses team assignments with
prospective player Eric Edwards of Tucson.

The tryouts continue on Sunday, Feb. 9.

Robertson said the team will take a few days to make decisions on any of the players catching his interest this weekend.

"We won't make too many decisions this weekend but over the next couple of days we'll invite some to pre-season camp," Robertson said.  "If some really shine we might just sign them straight away."