When is a loss not a loss? If you’re a valley soccer fan that question was answered Saturday night after USL PRO Soccer’s Arizona United Soccer Club fell in its inaugural game against Oklahoma City’s Energy FC by a score of 4-0 at Peoria Sports Complex.
An announced attendance of 2,888 spectators enjoyed a game few could imagine happening just a month ago.
An announced attendance of 2,888 spectators enjoyed a game few could imagine happening just a month ago.
The constant silence of the Phoenix FC Wolves organization and the sudden announcement that the team will no longer be operating a USL PRO franchise burst a bubble that seemed destined to pop as the organization floundered despite having open tryouts for prospective players just weeks before.
But, as soon as all seemed for naught, there was new life infused into soccer supporters as word of Phoenix FC’s demise was quickly followed by news of the formation of Arizona United, fronted by Peoria businessman Kyle Eng.
Eng spent more than 20 minutes with the media prior to Saturday’s game and walked through the chronology of the team’s formation from first contact with USL PRO on Feb. 21, through the announcement that soccer would indeed continue in Arizona on March 13.
During the first meeting with USL PRO it became apparent that Eng and his team would be right fit for ownership of a franchise.
“We want to be Arizona’s soccer team,” Eng said. “We are Arizona’s only professional team in Arizona. We want to be united in that.” Hence the name Arizona United SC.
The next order for Eng and his staff was to hire a coach. He told his staff to “find a guy who has a winning tradition, who knows how to win on the field and who brings something different.”
The next order for Eng and his staff was to hire a coach. He told his staff to “find a guy who has a winning tradition, who knows how to win on the field and who brings something different.”
They found that coach in Maryland assistant coach and USL PRO veteran Mike DelloRusso.
Earning fans back is important to Eng, who has adopted three mottos: Put a quality product on the field; create a great fan experience; put together a team that people can be proud to cheer for.
“If we can do those three things then we’ve accomplished our goal,” said Eng, “We’ll earn our fans back”
Eng acknowleged it has taken a lot of hard work to pull off game one in such a short period of time and some tasks as formal game uniforms and signage were not quite ready. Other areas such as concessions and merchandise booths will be assessed.
As for the game on the field, Arizona United held on during the first half to take a tie going into the locker room, but Arizona United faced a steep challenge in the second half due to the dismissal of London Woodberry who received two yellow cards in the first half.
It did not take long for OKC to take advantage of the United's one-man deficit. Just a minute into the second half, OKC's Steven Perry tucked a shot into the right side of the net to give the Energy a 1-0 lead.
Minutes later, Kyle Greig was able to head in a cross to double the score.
Throughout the game, Arizona United struggled to maintain possession; a testament, perhaps, to the scant practice time as a team. Many players on the United side had one week or less to practice with the entire squad. OKC added two more goals by Kyle Miller (65') and Adda Djeziri (70') to put the game out of reach.
Arizona United did manage to threaten OKC keeper John Kempin on a few occasions during the game.
Following the game, Arizona United Midfielder Matt Kassel was not making any excuses. "I don't want to make any excuses," Kassel said. "Everybody's played the game before. They (OKC) have played a few games already. You could tell that," suggesting the match fitness level of OKC gave the Energy the advantage.
"The red card was unfortunate," Kassell added "It's something all of us will learn from. We've got to take it and move forward."
Kassel went on to say he was impressed by the level of support for the team in its first game. He acknowleged the soccer community in the valley and the support demonstrated by the fans and supporters at the game.
Next up, Arizona United will face Sacramento at Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, April 19. Game time is 7:00 pm.
Throughout the game, Arizona United struggled to maintain possession; a testament, perhaps, to the scant practice time as a team. Many players on the United side had one week or less to practice with the entire squad. OKC added two more goals by Kyle Miller (65') and Adda Djeziri (70') to put the game out of reach.
Arizona United did manage to threaten OKC keeper John Kempin on a few occasions during the game.
Following the game, Arizona United Midfielder Matt Kassel was not making any excuses. "I don't want to make any excuses," Kassel said. "Everybody's played the game before. They (OKC) have played a few games already. You could tell that," suggesting the match fitness level of OKC gave the Energy the advantage.
"The red card was unfortunate," Kassell added "It's something all of us will learn from. We've got to take it and move forward."
Kassel went on to say he was impressed by the level of support for the team in its first game. He acknowleged the soccer community in the valley and the support demonstrated by the fans and supporters at the game.
Next up, Arizona United will face Sacramento at Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, April 19. Game time is 7:00 pm.
Front: Joey Dillon, Joseph Toby, Paolo DelPiccolo, Jonathan Top, London Woodberry; Rear: Daniel Antunez, Evan Newton, Tyler Ruthven, Jon Okafor, Bradlee Baladez, Matt Kassel
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| Joseph Toby |
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| Bradlee Baladez |
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| Jon Okafor |
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| Matt Kassel |
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| Jonathan Top |
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| Scott Morrison (23) |
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| Charles Renken |
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| Devon Grousis |
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| Tyler Ruthven |
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| London Woodberry |
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| Evan Newton |
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| Joey Dillon |
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| Paolo DelPiccolo |
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| Brandon Swartzendruber |
