Arizona United Creates Great Chances in 0-0 Draw

February 20, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) - Phoenix Rising FC News Release





At times it looked like the first preseason match of the year. But Arizona United SC created great scoring chances in the first and second half of a 0-0 draw with fellow USL side Swope Park Rangers.

"We've got some good players in camp and good players know how to play and they learn each other's tendencies quickly," said Arizona United head coach Frank Yallop. "Just that final touch, that final finish, was missing. But the general play was good and our sharpness and passing was not bad for the state we're in right now."

United had a scoring chance less than three minutes into the match when James Nortey got behind the defense and only had the goalkeeper to beat. But his chipped shot hit the crossbar and was cleared before anyone else could get the rebound.

Another prime chance came in the 14th minute off a corner when Uchenna Uzo's header smacked the near post. A follow up shot was then smothered by the Swope Park Rangers goalkeeper.

Close, but not close enough became a theme the rest of the evening for Arizona as they racked up chances but couldn't beat the keeper.

In the second half, a Jose Cuevas free kick hit the upper right corner of the net. Later, an Alberto Garcia shot from the top of the box was initially saved and then rolled agonizingly slow toward the open net. But a Swope Park defender rushed in at the last possible moment to clear the ball away.

"We're just started this journey ... and so we're going to continue to push and press," said midfielder Blair Gavin. "We have a lot of clean guys on the ball who like to play, so it's fun."

Added forward Sam Garza: "First game together is always going to be tough. We don't have that game fitness yet. ... Obviously we take the positives out of it. We got the 0-0 tie."

Arizona United will return to the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup on Wednesday, February 24, against PDL side and tournament host, FC Tucson. The match will begin at 3:30 p.m.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 20, 2016

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