Arizona United Top Arizona United Soccer Club Moments of 2014: Part 4

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.

Newton’s Save

The biggest save of the year etched the Arizona United Soccer Club name into the history books on May 23.

Hosting rival Energy FC in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, Arizona United SC scored the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute on a Jon Okafor header. All Arizona United SC had to do was hold on to the one-goal lead in the final six minutes of play, and the first-year franchise would become the first Arizona soccer based team to advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. Fate, for the time being, was not on Arizona United SC’s side, as an equalizing goal from Energy FC in stoppage time thrusted the match into two overtime periods.

Not to be deterred from accomplishing a historic fourth round appearance in the oldest domestic competition, Arizona United SC again scored the go-ahead goal with eight minutes remaining on the clock. Desperation mode set in for Energy FC, who sent every player forward. As the clock ticked down, Energy FC caught a fortunate break when a shot hit the arm of an Arizona United SC defender.

The referee blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty mark. With less than two minutes remaining in the match, the upcoming kick would seal the fate for both squads. Energy FC midfielder Christian Duke stepped up and rifled a low shot to the right post.

Goalkeeper Evan Newton, who had a spectacular match with multiple key saves, guessed correctly and saved the shot on the line to preserve an Arizona United SC victory and advancement to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup.

U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round Match vs. LA Galaxy

Arizona United SC’s advancement to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup was truly a special moment in the 2014 season. No team in Arizona Soccer history had ever advanced this far in the knockout tournament. But what was even more special was the opponent Arizona United SC would square off against on June 18.

It’s not often that a Major League Soccer club comes rolling into town, and when it was announced that Arizona United SC would play host to MLS powerhouse LA Galaxy, the magnitude of the match grew enormously.

Playing in front of a season-high 4,018 fans, Arizona United SC jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a Matt Kassel goal in the 36th minute. However, that was all Arizona United SC was able to muster up against the eventual 2014 MLS Cup Champions. LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes scored two quick goals in the 51st and 53rd minutes to put Arizona United SC away.

In total, LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena – five-time MLS Cup winner – played nine players (Jaime Penedo, Robbie Rodgers, A.J. DeLegarza, Dan Gargan, Gyasi Zardes, Juninho, Stefan Ishizaki, Marcelo Sarvas, and Baggio Husidic) who all appeared in the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution in MLS Cup Championship win.

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