Arizona United Arizona United SC suffers home loss to the Sacramento Republic FC

PEORIA, Ariz. (Saturday, August 2, 2014) – Arizona United Soccer Club is still alive in the USL PRO playoff hunt, but its chances of making the postseason took a serious blow on Saturday night following a 2-1 loss to the Sacramento Republic FC.

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Arizona United SC is now 6-11-5 through 22 regular-season matches and five points from a playoff position.

After a scoreless first half, Sacramento Republic FC struck first when midfielder Rodrigo Lopez passed to the top of the box from the touchline in the 53rd minute. Midfielder Jeffery Koval ran to the spot and hammered a low shot into the far post.

The goal and the introduction of second half substitute Jon Okafor in the 62nd minute sprung new life into Arizona United SC, who equalized in the 64th minute. Joey Dillon on the halfway line played a through ball over the top to a streaking Okafor. He slashed into the box from the right wing and whipped a low cross to Long Tan, who dummied the ball and watched it roll to an on-rushing Jonathan Top for a calm finish into the back of the net for his third goal of the season.

Seeking all three points, Arizona United SC missed out on the chance to capture the lead in the 70th minute on Brad Stisser’s shot from the edge of the box that went over the crossbar by inches.

However, as Arizona United SC continued to push, Sacramento started to threaten on counter attacks and capitalized on one from an Arizona United SC turnover. Second half substitute Justin Braun timed a perfect run and collected the ball in space inside Arizona United SC’s half. On the edge of the box, he cut inside beating London Woodberry and benefited from a Jalen Robinson challenge when the ball was deflected forward. Goalkeeper Evan Newton ran off his line to prevent the shot, but Braun extended his right leg and chipped the ball over an outstretched Newton.

With time dying, Arizona United SC head coach Michael Dellorusso sacrificed a defender, bringing on midfielder Sam Garza and pushed everyone forward for a final chance. The payoff worked as Jon Okafor got a header on a cross, but it didn’t have enough power as Sacramento goalkeeper Jake Gleeson smothered the attempt and held on for the road win.

Arizona United SC will travel for its next two matches, squaring off against the LA Galaxy II on Saturday, August 9, and OKC Energy FC on Thursday, August 14. Next home match will be on Saturday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m. against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

-Arizona United Soccer Club Match Report-

Match: Arizona United Soccer Club vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2014

Competition: USL PRO

Venue: Peoria Sports Complex

Kickoff: 7:30 PM PDT

Weather: Clear, and 86 degrees

Scoring Summary 1 2 F Arizona United Soccer Club 0 0 0 Sacramento Republic FC 0 1 1

Scoring Summary:

SA – Jeffery Koval (assist: Rodrigo Lopez) – 52

AZ – Jonathan Top (assist: Jon Okafor) – 65

SA – Justin Braun – 78

Misconduct Summary:

AZ – Long Tan (Yellow) – 32

AZ – Paolo DelPiccolo (Yellow) – 42

AZ – Scott Morrison (Yellow) – 65

SA – Octavio Guzman (Yellow) – 82

AZ – Jalen Robinson (Yellow) – 85

AZ – Jonathan Top (Yellow) – 93

Arizona United SC: Evan Newton, Tyler Ruthven (Sam Garza – 85), London Woodberry, Jalen Robinson, Scott Morrison, Paolo DelPiccolo (Jonathan Top – 59), Daniel Antunez (Joey Dillon – 21), Matt Kassel, Schillo Tshuma (Jon Okafor – 62), Brad Stisser, Long TanLineups:

Did not play: Jacole Turner, Joseph Toby, Bradlee Baladez

Charleston Battery: Jake Gleeson, Emrah Klimenta, Mickey Daly, Harrison DelBridge, Chad Bartlome (Hakop Avesyan – 73), Rodrigo Lopez, Jeffery Koval, Octavio Guzman, Max Alvarez (Mawolo Gissie – 67), Thomas Stewart (Dakota Collins – 74), Adam Jahn (Justin Braun – 66)

Did not play: Dominik Jakubek, Carlos Martinez