Arizona United Arizona United SC Drops Preseason Match To Grand Canyon University

First preseason loss for Arizona United SC

PHOENIX (March 13, 2015) – Arizona United Soccer Club’s second half comeback fell short on Friday night, as Grand Canyon University (GCU) claimed a 3-1 victory over Arizona United SC.

Arizona United SC found itself down by two goals late into the second half, when forward Long Tan capitalized on a defensive error by GCU. Tan cut the GCU lead to one when he collected a through ball on the right side in the 70th minute and chipped the on-rushing goalkeeper from the corner of the box.

Two minutes later, Tan looked to have scored the equalizer on a brilliantly placed shot, but the attempt was denied by GCU goalkeeper Lucca Licciardi who was able to kick save the shot. Arizona United SC continued to push for the equalizer, and in the 80th minute right back and trailist Damian Rosales beat a defender inside and lofted a ball into the box. Tan redirected the ball to a unmarked Rob Valentino on the far post, who volleyed the ball just wide of the net.

As Arizona United SC looked for a equalizer in the dying minutes of the match, GCU was the side who found the back of the net. Forward Alberto Sanchez Garcia headed home a cross in the 86th minute for his second goal of the match.

“You go through some things and you had a bad training session. Today that was it,” said Arizona United SC head coach Michael Dellorusso. “Too many individuals couldn’t play themselves out of it, but at the end of the day we are using this to learn from.”

At the opening whistle, GCU came out as the more opportunistic side. GCU tallied three shots in the opening 10 minutes before Arizona United SC started to settle into the match. The best chance for either side came in the 24th minute on a Victor Muñoz shot that was saved on the line by a GCU defender. Ten minutes later, GCU drew first blood as the home side capitalized on a poor Arizona United SC turnover in the midfield. GCU countered down the side and a cross was tapped home by GCU midfielder Daniel Wall.

GCU doubled its lead in the 59th minute on a quick counter attacked that sprung Garcia free. As goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski ran out to meet Garcia on the edge of the box, he chipped the ball over Woszczynski for GCU’s second goal.

Up next for Arizona United SC is their final preseason game of 2015. Arizona United SC will face Phoenix College on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Hoy Stadium, located on the Phoenix College campus. Admission to the match is free, and all proceeds from any donations benefit the Nobe Yonekura Foundation, which awards scholarship funds for Phoenix College student drummers. Nobe was an avid supporter of the Phoenix College men’s soccer team, and Arizona United SC. In addition, he was active member of Arizona United SC supporters’ group La Furia Roja 1881, and he served in the percussion line. Funds raised under the Nobe Yonekura Foundation will be allocated to students who attend Phoenix College and play the drums. The drummers who benefit from the scholarship will perform at Phoenix College soccer matches and Arizona United SC home matches to keep Nobe’s memory and craft alive.

For more information on Arizona United Soccer Club, follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/ ArizonaUnitedSoccer, Twitter @AZUnitedSC or Instagram @AZUnitedSC. To purchase tickets visit www.arizonaunited.com or by calling 623-594-9606.