Pictures, Video, Quotes – Phoenix FC Draw Arizona Sahuaros 1-1

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By, Garrett Cleverly

Phoenix FC played Arizona Sahuaros to a 1-1 draw at Rose Mafford Sports Complex on Wednesday night. Below is full coverage of the game.

Positives from the game: The backline was strong throughout the game and will be the biggest strength and most depth position this team has. Players that saw action and who will be in the regular mix for a starting role will be: Reid Schmitt, Devon Grousis, Cyprian Hedrick, Scott Morrison, Donny Toia, Renan Boufleur and Peabo Doue. Andrew Weber, MLS experience, will provide stability to this team in the goal. Forwards Darren Mackie and Aaron King looked good at times but need more from the midfield. Speaking of which….

Negatives from the game: The CM’s need a lot of work. Brazilian Netinho, 19 years old, was positioned in the middle as the attacking mid while Anothny Obodai was the holding mid. The CM’s looked lost of times and were not quick enough in transition. Some of this is because Netinho just arrived and players are getting used to him. Phoenix FC players were also hesitant to shoot once they got close to the Sahuaros goal and a few crosses completely missed their mark.

Surprises: Midfielder Cameron Vickers looked great. Last year he was with the Timbers U23 and this signing looks like a home run. He moves well with the ball, does a good job attacking space and is very shifty in traffic. He will be a player to watch this season.

Overall Impression: This team still has a few things to work on but if they can figure out their midfield issues this team can be deadly. Every player is tough and physical and can run very well. It may take a few more weeks for this team to gel but once they do they look as if they can put together a few winning streaks throughout the season.

Post Game Reactions: David Robertson Video. Andrew Weber and Aaron King quotes.

Andrew Weber on the teams performance:
It was all right. We need to definitely start to get it together. This is a team we should easily beat. All in all, Aaron King great goal from a cross from Scott. For the most part were starting to come together. Bad goal we gave up in the back. We didn’t lose to that is all that matters.

Andrew Weber on what the team needs to work on:
We need to work on our transition. Keeping the ball, protecting the ball. We looked solid in the back besides the goal. Picking and choosing our times, when to go, not to go. And again its hard 26 new faces. It’s going to take some time. I think we have had enough time to get it together and we need to learn from this and pick up our work rate establish ourselves move forward and get ready for the next game.

Aaron King on the teams performance:
I felt things are getting a lot better. Possessing ball a little better. Our defensive shape, I was impressed with. The only way they scored was because we had a mental breakdown. We did a good job as a unit. We’re still working on things. We had a couple new Brazilian players, need to get the language barrier down, their good players and I think they are going to do well on our team.

Aaron King on how preseason is going for him:
I just see things, going up and up every week of training. We’re progressing and getting to know each other. Its going to take a month or two for us to gel but I’m excited to get the season started.