Recap: Arizona United SC Draws With Portland Timbers 2, 1-1

(Peoria, AZ)  —  Arizona United Soccer Club fought to a 1 – 1 draw with Portland Timbers 2 in front of 3,374 friendly fans in its United Soccer League home debut. The match was the first regular season home match for Arizona United SC following a month on the road to begin the season.

“It was an amazing night to be a home opener,” said midfielder Miguel Timm. “It was a big crowd and we hope next week is the same.”

Forward Sam Garza scored Arizona United’s lone goal of the match in the 80th minute. Midfielder Miguel Timm drove through the middle of the field before looping a path over the defense and to his right. Garza came rushing on the pass and fired a shot off a volley to beat the goalkeeper.

“I’m happy to get the goal tonight,” Garza said. “I thought we dominated in the first half. Obviously, it’s unfortunate to let the first goal in. We had a couple chances. But that’s soccer you know. Sometimes they go in, sometimes they don’t. Glad we got the point tonight and let’s move on to the next game.”

United dug itself into a hole very early after allowing a goal less than a minute into the match. Portland’s Victor Arboleda fought off two defenders after receiving a pass from the midfield. Then he fired off a shot and beat the goalkeeper before falling to the ground.

Despite the early setback, Arizona United was out on the front foot for much of the rest of the game, wreaking havoc on the T2 defense, but not quite being able to find the back of the net.

“I think the good thing about our team is we can possess the ball but we can also go forward,” said midfielder Luke Rooney. “We can try to get Tyler (Blackwood) in behind or Long (Tan) in behind or find those runs. You feel the game out and whatever it gives you, you take it.”

The end result was disappointing for the players, but just being back home and playing in front of a friendly crowd left many with a positive note.

“The crowd was behind us and pushing us,” Timm said. “I think we could have done better and gotten a better result, but not bad for a first result.”