Arizona United Arizona United SC defeats the University of New Mexico 1-0

More than 1,000 fans showed up for club’s first preseason game in Arizona



MESA, Ariz. (March 7, 2015) -- Arizona United Soccer Club defeated the University of New Mexico Lobos 1-0 in the club’s first preseason game in Arizona.

Trailist Damian Rosales broke the scoreless deadlock in the 81st minute on a combination play that allowed him to sneak unmarked behind the Lobos backline. On the right wing, midfielder Jose “Chiva” Cuevas lofted a ball over Lobos backline to trailist Milton Blanco who chested the ball down in the box. As defenders swarmed around Blanco, he played a clever through ball to a streaking Rosales who took a touch before hammering a low shot into the far post.

The victory was the second preseason win for Arizona United SC, who defeated Southern Methodist University, 2-1, on February 26.

“When I start signing guys, I start putting a potential starting eleven in my mind,” said Arizona United SC head coach Michael Dellorusso. “We have a good group. We had seventeen field players tonight, and anyone that went in didn’t miss a beat.”

Playing in front of over 1,000 fans at Mesa Community College, Arizona United SC trotted out a starting XI that featured four returning players: Long Tan, Joey Dillon, Tyler Ruthven, and Jonathan Top; four new signings: Rob Valentino, Carl Woszczynski, Jose “Chiva” Cuevas, and Brock Granger; and three players on trial: Cam Vickers, George Malki, and Damian Rosales.

With under ten minutes to go before the conclusion of the first half, Arizona United SC looked to take the opening lead on a penalty after Tan was taken down in the box when he tried to head home a Malki cross. Tan stepped up for the penalty, but was denied by Lobos’ goalkeeper Jason Beaulieu.

Arizona United SC picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, and dominated the early possession. In the 50th minute, Tan was again denied when his attempt hit the crossbar. Fifteen minutes later, trailist Alex Shinsky looked to score the go-ahead goal, but his shot was saved on the line by a Lobos defender.

Arizona United would then score the game-winning goal in the 81st minute, and held on for the 1-0 win.

Up next for Arizona United SC is their second of three preseason games in Arizona. On Friday, March 13, Arizona United SC will face Grand Canyon University at the GCU Soccer Field with kick off slated for 7:00 p.m. Arizona United SC will close out its preseason schedule against Phoenix College on Saturday, March 21. Admission to both matches is free, and all proceeds from any donations at the Phoenix College match will be allocated to scholarship funds for Phoenix College student drummers. Nobe was an avid supporter of the Phoenix College men’s soccer team, and Arizona United SC. In addition, he was active member of Arizona United SC supporters’ group La Furia Roja 1881, and he served in the percussion line. Funds raised under the Nobe Yonekura Foundation will be allocated to students who attend Phoenix College and play the drums. The drummers who benefit from the scholarship will perform at Phoenix College soccer matches and Arizona United SC home matches to keep Nobe’s memory and craft alive.

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 by calling 623-594-9606.