Sunday, April 14, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The LA Blues took their second consecutive victory, and third of the season as a fast start helped them take a 3-1 victory against Phoenix FC on Sunday night at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. It was the Wolves’ third defeat in four matches of their inaugural USL PRO season.
The Blues struck quickly in the first half, with Nelson Pizarro opening the scoring in the seventh minute, putting in a cross from teammate Matt Hall. The Blues made it 2-0 on Cory Miller’s header in the 15th minute as the defender rose unmark to put away a cross by Rodrigo Lopez.
“We just didn’t start well,” Phoenix midfielder Scott Morrison said.
Phoenix FC settled down and had more possession as the first half wore on, and continued attacking in the second half. Diego Faria and Anthony Obodai combined for five good shots that missed the target as the Wolves tried to cut into the Blues' lead. Morrison was able to pull one back in the 68th minute as he curled a free kick home from 25 yards.
Despite outshooting the Blues 13-8, recording 10 shots after the halftime break, the Wolves were unable to find an equalizer. The Blues put the game away in the 77th minute as second-half substitute Sergio Ortiz caught Phoenix goalkeeper Sheldon Parkinson, starting in place of the injured Andrew Weber, off his line and lofted a shot over Parkinson’s head to make it 3-1.
Substitute Cameron Vickers provided a spark on offense after he came on in the 71st minute and Elliot Weber got a couple of opportunities after he entered the game 27th minute for an injured Devon Grousis. Weber, a defender, played forward with Donny Toia dropping back from his midfield spot to defender. The Blues' fast start was too much for the Wolves to overcome, though, as they remained top of the league standings early in the season.
The Wolves next travel to Sandy, Utah for an April 22 match against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium, with their next home match arriving on Sunday, April 28 at home against Wilmington. Los Angeles continues its road trip with a pair of games against Orlando and Tampa Bay next weekend.