Arizona United Top Arizona United Soccer Club Moments of 2014: Part 5

As the calendar turns to 2015, join Arizona United Soccer Club as we take a look back at the top moments from 2014, in date order. Previous entries at bottom of page.

Arrival of Long Tan

No player impacted Arizona United SC’s performance on the field more than forward Long Tan. Signed to the club in July, Tan finished tied for the team lead in goals scored with five and led the team in shots with 32. With Tan, Arizona United SC increased its goals per game average by nearly double, going from 0.88 to 1.58.

After Tan signed, Arizona United SC posted a 6-4-2 record and made a late playoff push – including closing the season with a four-match winning streak against USL PRO opponents. Arizona United SC ultimately ended the season with the club finishing one position shy of the eighth and final playoff spot.

For his efforts, Tan was twice named to the USL PRO Team of the week. Following the conclusion of the season, he was named to the 2014 USL PRO All-League Second Team despite playing in only 12 matches. Long Tan re-signed with Arizona United SC following the conclusion of the season.

Closing out the season of a four-match winning streak against USL PRO opponents

With playoff hopes taking a major hit following a third consecutive loss on August 9 against the LA Galaxy II, Arizona United SC bounced back and tore the ball off the cover in the clubs final four USL PRO matches.

The winning streak started on August 14th against rival Energy FC on the road. Jonathan Top lit up the scoreboard in the fourth minute and recent addition Sam Garza recorded his first professional goal in the 74th minute in a 2-1 win.

Arizona United SC would return home for the club’s final two home matches, defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 3-1 on August 16th on goals from Jon Okafor, Brad Stisser and Top and then shutting out Energy FC on August 22 from a Scott Morrison blast.

In the final regular-season match, Arizona United SC set out on the road on September 6th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Goals on either side of the half from forward Long Tan in a 2-1 win extended Arizona United SC’s winning streak to a franchise best four matches. During the winning streak, Arizona United SC averaged two goals per game and held opponents to a .75 goals against average.

Top Arizona United SC Moments of 2014:

Part 1: Dellorusso announced as head coach and first match in franchise history

Part 2: First win in franchise history and greatest comeback

Part 3: Goal of the Year

Part 4: Newton’s save and U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match vs. LA Galaxy

Part 5: Arrival of Long Tan and four-match winning streak against USL PRO opponents