Arizona United Arizona United SC defeats Southern Methodist University In First Preseason Match Of 2015

Head coach Michael Dellorusso shares his thoughts on the victory

DALLAS (Feb. 26, 2015) – Arizona United Soccer Club closed out its weeklong trip to Dallas with a 2-1 victory over Southern Methodist University on Thursday morning at Westcott Field.

Goals were scored on either side of the half by midfielder Jose “Chiva” Cuevas and forward Jonathan Top. The preseason victory was the first in franchise history, as Arizona United SC did not play in any preseason matches in 2014. This was the only match the club played in Dallas. Earlier in the week a scheduled match against the FC Dallas Reserves was cancelled due to the weather.

Arizona United SC returns back to Arizona on Friday and will continue the preseason with three matches in the Valley - vs. Grand Canyon University at 7:30 p.m. MST on Friday, March 13 at GCU Soccer Field; vs. Phoenix College at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Hoy Stadium; vs. University of New Mexico at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Location for the University of New Mexico match to be announced at a later date.

Following the last friendly, Arizona United SC will begin its final preparations for its 2015 regular season USL opener at Orange County Blues FC at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Arizona United SC makes its 2015 regular season home debut against the Portland Timbers FC 2 at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at Scottsdale Stadium.

For more information on Arizona United Soccer Club, follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/ ArizonaUnitedSoccer, Twitter @AZUnitedSC or Instagram @AZUnitedSC. To purchase tickets visit www.arizonaunited.com or call 623-594-9606.

NOTE: Arizona United SC remains perfect in friendly matches since the conclusion of the 2014 USL season. In October, Arizona United SC defeated the LA Galaxy II 1-0 in the COS Pro Soccer Kickoff held by the USL expansion club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Following the conclusion of the match, head coach Michael Dellorusso offered his thoughts on Arizona United SC’s victory…

(On the match…)

DELLORUSSO: “It was good. Our goal was to get better from yesterday and take a step forward. I think we did that. At the same time we have a lot to work on physically and mentally. I think there are still areas of growth, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

(On positives from the match…)

DELLORUSSO: “We were more organized than yesterday. I put out three things defensively and three things offensively that we wanted to improve on from yesterday. I thought we improved on all of them in some way, shape or form. From that stand point it was encouraging.”

(On the new players…)

DELLORUSSO: “They did well. The whole team collectively is learning and getting better from a tactical standpoint. We really haven’t done much in a full-sided field. But they come with good backgrounds and understand my expectations of how it should be played. They have done well so far.”

(On the returning players…)

DELLORUSSO: “They were good. We brought guys back for a reason. We know where we are at and we’re making progress. That’s really all we’re about right now.

(On his overall thoughts….)

DELLORUSSO: “From a technical standpoint, it has to get better. My personal demands weren’t met from an individual basis, but collectively we are moving forward and it’s good to see. I’m excited to get back and work on week three of preseason.”