On March 13, 2014, Kyle Eng, owner of Arrowhead Agency, launched the franchise and named it Arizona United SC. It took the place of Phoenix FC, which folded the previous day, in the USL Pro league.[1][2][3][4]
In just 178 days after the franchise was awarded by the USL Pro, Arizona United hired a front office staff and coach, put together a roster, secured a stadium, played 28 regular season games, reached the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup and was in contention for a playoff spot until the next-to-last week of the season. [5][6]
United won 4 of their last 5 games to move up from 13th place to 9th, but fell 4 points short of qualifying for the playoffs. Jonathan Top and ex-Orlando City standout Long Tan led the team in scoring with 5 goals each. Tan was also selected for the All-League Second Team. [15] Goalkeeper Evan Newton was second in the league in saves. United finished with a 10-13-5 record. [5]
2014 US Open Cup
In their first US Open Cup appearance, Arizona United lasted until the Fourth Round, the longest Open Cup run of any Arizona club in history. Entering the tournament in the Second Round, United defeated Portland Timbers U23s of the PDL 3-2 in Portland on May 13. They were losing 2-1 late in the game when London Woodberry tied the game in the 88th Minute and Daniel Antúnez scored the winning goal with seconds left in stoppage time. [16][17][18] In the Third Round, United defeated Oklahoma City Energy FC of USL Pro 2-1 in extra time May 28 at the Peoria Sports Complex. The game winner was scored by Bradlee Baladez in the 112th Minute and Evan Newton saved a last minute penalty kick awarded to the Energy. [19][20][21] Their Open Cup run ended with a 2-1 loss to the eventual MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy at home on June 18. Gyasi Zardes scored two goals in the second half two minutes apart after Matt Kassel gave United a 1-0 lead at halftime. [22][23][24]
The team signed a one-year agreement to play their home games at Scottsdale Stadium on December 16, 2014. [25] United signed an one-year affiliation agreement with FC Dallas on February 9, 2015. [26][27][28] United finished 10th in the Western Conference with a 10-16-2 record. Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski set a USL record with 130 saves. Long Tan again led the team with 14 goals, which was tied for 4th in the league with Luke Vercollone. Tan was also selected for the USL All-League First Team. [29] On September 25, the club declined to extend the contract of Head Coach Michael Dellorusso. [30]
Brett M. Johnson, founder and CEO of Benevolent Capital and Managing Director of Zealot Networks, purchased a minority share of the team. He was named Co-Chairman and President of Arizona United on December 9, 2015. [31][32]Frank Yallop, who coached the San Jose Earthquakes to MLS Cup championships in 2001 & 2003, was signed to a three-year contract as Head Coach and President of Soccer Operations on December 23, 2015. [33][34][35] An investment group of music artists and executives led by Grammy Award winning DJ, record producer and rapper/songwriter Diplo purchased a minority stake in Arizona United on January 27, 2016. [36][37] Scottsdale Stadium did not renew their lease with United and the team signed a three year lease with their original stadium, Peoria Sports Complex, on January 26, 2016. [38]Pete Wentz, bassist for the rock group Fall Out Boy, purchased a minority share on April 11, 2016. [39]
Colors and badge
Arizona United SC's official colors are red, blue, and yellow.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. Squad correct as of April 25, 2016.[40][41]
La Furia Roja 1881 / The Red Fury 1881 was organized by members of the local American Outlaws chapter. 1881 refers to the year the City of Phoenix was incorporated. Another supporters group are the Copper State Casuals. Both groups have their own section of Peoria Sports Complex for their use during Arizona United SC games. [44][45]
