USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, June 21, 2014
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Arizona United Soccer Club drew the LA Galaxy II, 1-1, at the Peoria Sports Complex on a second-half equalizer from defender Scott Morrison. After trailing for the majority of the first half on a goal from the LA Galaxy II’s Travis Bowen in the 17th minute, Arizona United SC emerged from halftime and attacked the Galaxy II backline with urgency and pace.
In the 54th minute, Morrison played a diagonal ball to forward Jon Okafor who was then fouled on the edge of the box. Morrison lined up for the shot, curled the ball around the Galaxy II wall, and into the far post for the equalizer and his first goal of the season.
“It was nice to get one in,” said Morrison. “I’ve been close this season so it was nice to see one hit the back of the net.”
The draw wrapped up an Arizona United SC three-match USL PRO homestand, in which they went 1-1-1. The draw also moved Arizona United SC up the USL PRO standings, and into sole possession of ninth place.
LA Galaxy II scored the opening goal when captain Rafael Garcia lofted a ball into the penalty area from the right wing. Jack McBean jumped in the air and back-heeled the ball into empty space near the top of the box. Bowen ran up and rifled the ball into the back of the net.
Arizona United SC and the LA Galaxy II exchanged opportunities for the remainder of the first half with neither side able to take advantage. After the equalizer from Arizona United SC in the second half, both sides fought a tough battle in the midfield. As the match approached its conclusion, LA Galaxy II started to create more chances in the final third, and a massive save by Evan Newton in the 77th minute prevented Los Dos from pulling ahead.
Arizona had one final chance in the second minute of stoppage time, but a timely clearance by the LA Galaxy II defense prevented United from taking all three points.
Up next for Arizona United SC is a road match against Sacramento Republic FC on Thursday, June 26, before returning home to host the Orange County Blues FC on Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at arizonaunited.com/tickets or by calling (623) 594-9606.