Arizona United SC didn’t manage to earn its first trip to the USL Cup Playoffs, but in the club’s first season under new Head Coach Frank Yallop, the signs of progress were definitely there as the season went on. As the club moves into a new era under ownership led by Berke Bakay, there is reason to believe next season will continue that trend.

Between an attack that provided some of the best highlights of the USL season, to a defense that made strides toward solidity as its goals against and shots against marks both dropped, the second considerably, United fans should have a lot to look forward to in 2017.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 9-14-7, 34pts
Place: 13th in the Eastern Conference
Goals For: 40
Goals Against: 46
USL Cup Playoffs: N/A

2016 leaders: Long Tan (10 goals, 6 assists), Carl Woszczynski (79 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Arizona opened the season with a large number of new faces, and as the season went on the team’s attacking chemistry improved exponentially. The TLC forward trio of Tyler Blackwood, Long Tan and Chris Cortez was backed by Luke Rooney’s exploits, as the English midfielder quickly became a fan favorite. At the other end, Arizona conceded nine fewer goals, but more importantly saw the shots on goal against mark go from 190 to 142, a drop of more than 25 percent. 

WHAT WENT WRONG

Arizona ended up on the wrong side of the red line because as well as the side could play, it didn’t manage to do so consistently enough to get the results it needed. This manifested itself in particular in the first halves of games, where the side was outscored 28-17, leaving United having to dig its way out of deficits to earn points more often than not.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Luke Rooney’s long-range efforts were something to behold throughout the season, but none was better than his volleyed strike against the LA Galaxy II.

Peter Kelly’s first professional goal was also a contender for USL Goal of the Season. His volleyed finish after Chris Cortez’s cushioned layoff against Real Monarchs SLC was something very special.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Carl Woszczynski wasn’t as busy as in 2015, but the big shot-stopper still came up big regularly for United, including on this long-range effort by Real Monarchs SLC’s Pedro Baez.

Woszczynski’s reflexes were on display on the road against San Antonio FC as he brilliantly turned aside a shot from 10 yards out wide for a corner kick.

HE SAID IT

“What I’m most excited about is really getting the community behind the team. That when you speak to different people they are aware of the fact that there’s a professional soccer team and it’s a great, winning product. We have a fantastic coach [Frank Yallop] with a significant amount of experience, and I’m sure that he will be key to putting that winning product on the field.” – New Arizona United SC President David Farca