Phoenix FC News Release -- www.phoenixfc.com
Friday, June 14, 2013
PHOENIX -- The Phoenix FC Wolves return to Tempe this Saturday night after two weeks and four matches on the road to host the Real Salt Lake Reserves of Major League Soccer (MLS). This is a match that counts in the USL PRO League standings for the Wolves as well as the MLS Reserve League standings for Real Salt Lake, as determined in an agreement the two leagues reached earlier this year. 
The first meeting of these two teams was highlighted by a first half brawl that earned three red cards: goalkeeper Andrew Weber and defender Renan Felipe Boufleur were ejected for Phoenix FC; and defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe for Real Salt Lake. Following a missed Real Salt Lake free kick attempt, a scuffle at the edge of Phoenix FC's box quickly turned into both teams fighting.
Phoenix FC was outmanned 10 - 9 for the remainder of the game. Real Salt Lake attacked furiously in the second half with the advantage, but Phoenix FC's defense made key stops when needed. Goalkeeper Sheldon Parkinson, who was in for Andrew Weber, survived numerous wide shots and made some spectacular saves to keep Real Salt Lake from reaching the back of the net.
With time running down, Real Salt Lake pushed its side for one last offensive effort but came up empty after five minutes of stoppage play. Despite registering 24 shots to Phoenix FC's four shots, the match ended in a draw.
Phoenix FC is coming off of a winless road trip on the East Coast in which the Wolves played four matches in two weeks. It was a frustrating road trip that was highlighted by close games and missed opportunities, and the Wolves are hungry to get back home for a chance to earn some regular season points with a healthy roster and no major injuries.
The Real Salt Lake reserves team features a number of players who start for and have significant playing time with the club's MLS lineup, including defenders Abdoulie Mansally and Carlos Salcedo, midfielders John Stertzer and Sebastian Velasquez, and forwards Joao Plata and Robbie Findley.
Phoenix FC has started a number of different lineups in recent weeks, looking for the right on-field combination since the return of standout forward Darren Mackie to the lineup after an early season injury. Mackie has returned to playing form as of late and is beginning to jell with the team, and his presence and experience will be needed as the Wolves look to pick up some points against a solid Real Salt Lake squad.
This week's matchup will be played at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe, this Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT, and tickets can be purchased at www.phoenixfc.com.