Arizona United Goalkeeper Eric Newton faced 11 shots, made four saves and allowed a goal by the Republic's Rodrigo Lopez, assisted by Thomas Stewart. The goal came in the 27th minute.
Arizona United (1-1-0) gained their first points of he season with goals by Brandon Swartzendruber in the 37th minute and Jonathan Top in the 85th minute.
Arizona's team struggled to keep possession during the first 15 minutes of the game but gained more confidence and gained great control as they got deeper into the first half.
United Head Coach Mike DelloRusso said he has seen some improvement in holding possession which was a concern following the team's 4-0 loss to OKC Energy FC last week.
"Much better, not perfect, but much better," DelloRusso said of Arizona United's possession after the game. "[The players] moved the ball well, the spacing was better and our understanding of each other was better. I thought we took a little bit more what the game gave us and I was pleased."
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| Brandon Swartzendruber scored Arizona United's first-ever goal |
Swartzendruber's goal came after he received a cross from his right by Matt Kassel and went unchallenged while he teed up a shot against Rebublic FC goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek. Swartzendruber tucked the ball in toward the near post after feigning a shot to the far post.
"It was good for us to get that first goal," Swartzendruber said. "I had all kinds of time and I'm just glad was was able to put it away for us."
Arizona United had an opportunity to take a lead into the locker room at halftime when Forward Jon Okafor was fouled in the penalty area by Sacramento's Micky Daly. Daly was ejected following the foul and United was awarded a penalty kick attempt. United's Matt Kassel stepped up for the attempt; however, Jakubek anticipated the attempt to his left and made the save.
Sacramento Republic had to play with 10 men from that point on.
Arizona United's second goal came late in the game with help of Kadeem Dacres who made his United debut when he entered the game during the 67th minute as a substitute for Jon Okafor. Dacres headed a cross from Matt Kassel down towards the feet of Jonathan Top who swept the ball past Jakubek's left side.
For Top it was a split second opportunity which was a result of being at the right place at the right time.
"We were able to get the ball out wide to Kassel," said Top after the game. "Kassel put in a good ball to the back post and I believe it was [Joseph] Toby got up for the header. I turned around and was in the right place at the right time and reacted to the ball and luckily it went in."
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| Jonathan Top (second from left) sweeps the ball toward goal |
Next up for Arizona United SC is the LA Galaxy II, the reserve team for Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy. Galaxy II is currently sitting a the top of USL PRO standings with 10 points and a record of 3-1-1.
The game is scheduled for Friday, April 25th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peoria Sports Complex.
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| Erik Lankford waves The Stars and Stripes while members of La Furia Roja throw streamers and confetti following the singing of The National Anthem. |
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| Bradlee Baladez |
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| Daniel Antunez |
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| Kadeem Dacres |
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| Arizona United's Jon Okafor manages to challenge goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek despite being fouled by Sacramento's Micky Daly on the play. Daly was ejected following the foul and United awarded a penalty kick. The kick, taken by Matt Kassel, was saved by Sacramento goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek. |
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| Matt Kassel launches the pass that led to Brandon Swartzendruber's goal. |
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| Arizona United's Jonathan Top rushes to celebrate with members of La Furia Roja support group following his second-half goal that gave United a 2-1 lead over Sacramento. |
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| Arizona United Owner Kyle Eng watches the final minutes of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Sacramento from the field. |
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| Arizona United's players and owner acknowledge the fan support following the game. |
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| Arizona United Goalkeeper Evan Newton celebrates with fans following the 2-1 victory over Sacramento. |
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