Arizona United Arizona United SC defeat Rochester Rhinos

PEORIA, Ariz. (Saturday, June 14, 2014) - Jonathan Top’s penalty in the 75th minute and Evan Newton’s clean sheet propelled Arizona United SC to a 1-0 win over the Rochester Rhinos at the Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Photo Gallery | Match Replay | Box Score

It was Arizona United SC’s second clean sheet on the season and first USL PRO victory in over a month.

Looking to rebound from a 2-1 home loss from the Dayton Dutch Lions this past Wednesday, Arizona United SC put forth a strong first half effort and outshot the visitors 6-3. Brandon Swartzednruber had the first look for the home side in the 7th minute when his shot from outside the box was saved. Swartzendruber had another opportunity saved in the 17th minute as well.

Arizona United SC’s best opportunity in the first half occurred in the 29th minute from Benji Lopez, who made his first professional start. Kadeem Dacres crossed into the box from the left-wing to an unmarked Lopez who got a header on it, but pushed it just wide.

At the start of the second half, Arizona United SC almost lit up the scoreboard in the 47th minute on Morrison’s free kick that sailed wide. Arizona United SC continued to push the effort and earned a corner in the 74th minute that led to the goal.

Morrison curled in a long cross. The ball was cleared by Rochester to the top on the box, where an unmarked Paolo DelPiccolo picked up the loose ball. He played to Tyler Ruthven on the edge of the box, who then played the ball back into the box. As Rochester defender Patrick Slogic backpedaled to clear the ball he lifted his arm above his head and struck the ball. Top stepped up and calmly slotted home his second goal of the season.

Rochester had a few chances in the dying minutes, but timely defense from Arizona United SC’s backline helped keep the visitors’ attack at bay.

Arizona United SC will take a break from USL PRO league play to host Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 18.

Tickets may be purchased at arizonaunited.com/tickets or by calling (623) 594-9606.

-Arizona United Soccer Club Match Report-

Match: Arizona United Soccer Club vs. Rochester Rhinos

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2014

Competition: USL PRO

Venue: Peoria Sports Complex

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Weather: Clear, and 95 degrees

Scoring Summary 1 2 F Arizona United Soccer Club 0 1 1 Rochester Rhinos 0 0 0

Scoring Summary:

AZ – Jonathan Top – 75th minute

Misconduct Summary:

ROCH– Levi Hauapeu (Yellow) – 57th minute

ROCH– Kyle Hoffer (Yellow) – 70th minute

ROCH– Patrick Slogic (Yellow) – 75th minute

AZ– Newton (Yellow) – 90th minute

AZ– Baladez (Yellow) – 90th minute

Saves Corners Fouls Offsides Shots AZU 3 5 12 1 9 ROCH 2 4 14 6 6

Lineups:

Arizona United SC: Evan Newton, Widner Saint-Cyr, Tyler Ruthven, London Woodberry, Scott Morrison, Matt Kassel, Paolo DelPiccolo, Jonathan Top (Bradlee Baladez – 89), Kadeem Dacres (Jon Okafor – 74), Brandon Swartzendruber (Brad Stisser – 66), Benji Lopez (Charles Renken – 80)

Did not play: Jacole Turner, Devon Grousis, Joseph Toby

Rochester Rhinos: Luis Soffner, Patrick Slogic, Klye Hoffer, Onua Obasi, Tony Walls, Tyler Rosenlund, Mike Garzi (Alec Sundley – 63), Levi Houapeu (Alex Dixon – 63), Lance Rozeboom (Jonny Mendoza – 78), Minh Vu, Colin Rolfe (Baba Diallo – 84)

Did not play: John McCarthy, Pat McMahon, JC Banks