USL Game Report

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - OKC Energy FC moved into first place in the USL's Western Conference on Wednesday night as a goal by Daniel Gonzalez earned a 1-0 victory against Arizona United SC at Scottsdale Stadium. Following the LA Galaxy II's defeat, Energy FC is now guaranteed a home playoff game, and remains in with a chance at earning a bye to the conference semifinals in the USL Playoffs.

The first half was dominated by offense, as both teams had several major chances to score. In the 10th minute, Arizona forward Long Tan received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and dribbled to the top of the box, where he found midfielder Jose Cuevas, whose shot was parried away by Energy FC goalkeeper Evan Newton.

OKC (13-7-8, 47pts) had a big chance of its own in the 36th minute, but Arizona goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski made a point-blank save on a breakaway. Energy FC eventually opened the scoring four minutes before the halftime break when Daniel Gonzalez headed home a corner by Jesus Sanchez into the left corner of the net.

“[Energy FC] is a good team,” said Arizona United SC head coach Michael Dellorusso. “Our guys came out and played well. We came out with the most energy we've had all year.”

The second half was similar to the first, as both clubs played well offensively. United (10-16-1, 31pts)  had an opportunity to level the score in the 60th minute, when forward Aaron Dennis took on the defense and rifled a shot toward the net, but it was saved by Newton. In all, Newton, a former Arizona United SC player, made eight saves.

The defeat was a frustrating one for Arizona's players as they closed out their home slate for 2015.

“I thought we played well,” said Woszczynski. “The first half was one of our better halves of the year. I think it's the first time we outshot the other team. We had a ton of chances.”

Energy FC will now return home and await results from around the rest of the Western Conference. Colorado Springs, Orange County and Sacramento could all still overtake OKC, depending on results this Saturday and next Tuesday night.

United finishes the season 6-7-1 at Scottsdale Stadium. The club finishes its 2015 campaign with a trip to Sacramento on Saturday, September 19. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. PT and can be viewed at ArizonaUnited.com