Jeff Wendt

The Republic | azcentral.com

Three points out of the eighth playoff spot%2C road games at Wilmington and Charleston are big.

Team signed former first round MLS Superdraft pick Sam Garza%2C who last played with San Jose.

MF Matt Kassel and F Long Tan earned USL Pro Team of the Week honors.

Sitting three points out of the eighth playoff spot, Arizona United SC will play two of its biggest games of the season this weekend on the road.

Friday, Arizona United travels to Wilmington, and then the next night goes to Charleston as it attempts to stay in the race for the USL Pro playoffs.

With 10 matches remaining in the regular season, every point is critical in the race to the playoffs.

"We know that it's kind of do or die now," midfielder Matt Kassel said. "We know that we need to get results otherwise its see you later.

"So guys have realized that. We've stepped back and looked at it and realize we're going to make the push now and I think you're seeing that in the last three games and I think you'll continue to see that throughout the end of the season."

Kassel and forward long Tan were named to the USL Pro Team of the Week for their efforts of last week. Kassel had a goal and two assists last week, while Tan, who signed with Arizona United on July 12, picked up a goal in the each of the two games played last week against Oklahoma City Energy FC and Orange County Blues FC.

"They've looked good," Arizona United coach Michael Dellorusso said. "They're very consistent players and have worked very well together."

Tan has only been with the club for three games, but his presence up top has shown in the way play has opened up for the team, as it has scored six goals in the three games he has played.

"He's a professional, he's a very good player," Dellorusso said. "He fits into our system well. That's why we brought him in. We were expecting big things and he's done well so far. Looking for a lot bigger things in future."

The team added to its forward depth on Wednesday signing 2012 first round MLS Superdraft pick Sam Garza, formerly of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Garza played in just 12 games in the three years he was with San Jose, never finding his form with the club. San Jose had loaned Garza out to San Antonio of the North American Soccer League and played two games with that club this year. Garza was released on July 2, and was on trial with Real Salt Lake, but was not extended a contract.

"Sam's a guy who wasn't getting getting time in San Jose, didn't see eye -to-eye, got released, went on trial with Salt Lake," Dellorusso said. "We had been in touch a little bit before then. He was down in San Antonio on loan there.

"We were looking to get him on loan potentially, but it didn't work out in the end. He didn't get picked up by Salt Lake so he came here. He's a good kid. Good player. Just trying to get him a chance to play."

Garza will come off the bench initially in Dellorusso's plans. He plans to play Garza out wide to open up spaces for Tan and forward Brad Stisser, who has really impressed over the last month.

"That's where I envision him playing," Dellorusso said. "He's got good speed, take guys one-on-one, so it's pretty ideal for him to be out there."

Arizona United will see a different style of play as they head out to play Wilmington and Charleston.

"Both teams are athletic," Dellorusso said. "They play somewhat direct. They look to get in behind. They're good quality teams. They got some good, young players. I know a lot of their personnel, so it will be a good challenge for us, a little different then we're used to.

"Hopefully at the end of the day we'll match up well. I'll have them ready to go, and it's just about performing."

As for what Dellorusso expects of the weekend, it's simple. He wants six points from the two road contests.

"We got to show up and play. We got to do the little things that we've done over the last couple of weeks and can't take any shortcuts and these guys know it," Dellorusso said. "You know me, I need wins. That's all that makes me happy."