Arizona United’s Winless Streak Extended With Loss to Dayton

Arizona United SC’s winless streak was extended to five games following a surprising 2-1 loss to the visiting Dayton Dutch Lions in a game played Wednesday at Peoria Sports Complex.

It was a cruel loss, made even more unbearable because of a referee decision to reverse a tying goal by Arizona near the end of the game.

Arizona (3-6-2) started sluggish and had to defend their own goal aggressively for the first several minutes of the game. Dayton’s attack was finding its way through the Arizona back four defenders and challenging United goalkeeper Evan Newton often.

Dayton struck first during the fifth minute with a goal by forward Aaron Schoenfeld during a confusing defensive sequence which allowed Schoenfeld to penetrate the Arizona back line. Schoenfeld’s initial shot hit the right post and ricocheted right back to his feet and he was able to tap the ball in for the score.

Arizona did not stay down for long as a newcomer - Rodney Wallace, on a two-game loan from the Portland Timbers - quickly scored an equalizer on a throw in by Arizona’s Bradlee Baladez that was missed by a Dayton defender.  Wallace settled the ball near the edge of the 18-yard box and drove toward the goal unimpeded and finished with a massive strike that Dayton goal keeper Matt Williams had no opportunity to save, making the score 1-1 in the 18th minute.

“I made the run but the defender got in front of me,” Wallace said after the game. “It looked like I fouled him, but I made a good run and it was a good look by Bradlee and I was able to finish for the goal.”

Rodney Wallace scored a goal during the first game of
his two-game loan from the MLS Portland Timbers side.

Dayton regained the lead 18 minutes later on a second goal by Schoenfeld.  Schoenfeld had a ball kicked away from a United player fall at his feet and he quickly turned and after a few brief touches fired a shot from 25 yards out. Despite a sprawling attempt by Newton to bat the ball away it still found the back of the net and gave Dayton a 2-1 lead.

Arizona appeared to score the equalizer near the end of regulation play when Kadeem Dacres kicked ball into a tangle of bodies in the goal area and the ball was deflected into the net by Baladez. The goal was initially awarded to Arizona, but after much protest from Dayton players and discussion among the head referee and linesman the goal was reversed, leaving Arizona with a 2-1 deficit.

A late game goal by Arizona United's Bradlee Baladez was disallowed on a delayed off side call. 

Following the game Arizona head coach Michael Dellorusso said he was told the linesman thought Bradlee didn’t touch the ball. “So that’s why he didn’t call offsides,” Dellorusso said. “But then when (the referees) discussed it then the center referee said Bradlee had touched the ball.”

The touch by Baladez resulted in a delayed offside and the goal was erased from the board, leaving Arizona with a 2-1 deficit.

As for the game overall, Dellorusso said, “We lost the game. We didn’t deserve to win.

“We did the one thing we didn’t want to do. We gave them confidence. We knew they were a tired team. We came out flat.

“A couple individuals just didn’t step up their game tonight . We’ll learn from it and the guys who want to play will play.”

Arizona United, currently playing with several players on loan, will lose those players soon as MLS teams begin Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play. The departure of some more experienced players is going to leave some gaps.

When asked who is going to have to step up to fill those gaps Dellorusso said, “Everybody. A lot of young guys need to learn what the professional world is all about.”

Next up Arizona United faces the Rochester Rhinos in a game played at Peoria Sports Complex this Saturday.

On Wednesday, June 18, Arizona United will face Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy in round four of the Open Cup.

Arizona United's Jonathan Top attempts to deflect Dayton goal keeper Matt Williams' clearance.

Arizona United's Jalen Robinson (27) has seen limited playing time but played the full 90 minutes against Dayton.

Arizona United goal keeper Evan Newton tracks a crossing ball by Dayton's Cameron Vickers. The ball landed on the roof of the net resulting in a goal kick for Arizona.