Arizona United Dellorusso talks victory over LA Galaxy II, Long Tan's man of the match performance and more

PEORIA, Ariz. (Monday, October 20, 2014) – Jon Okafor’s first half goal and Long Tan’s man of the match performance propelled Arizona United Soccer Club to a 1-0 victory over the LA Galaxy II in the COS Pro Soccer Kickoff held by the USL PRO expansion club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night. 

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The match was the first friendly Arizona United has competed in since the conclusion of the 2014 USL PRO season.  The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC are one of eight new teams that will begin USL PRO regular season play in 2015.  The other seven teams that have been announced are: Austin Aztex, Charlotte Independence, Louisville City, Portland Timbers 2, Tulsa Roughnecks FC, St. Louis FC, and Seattle Sounders 2. 

Following the conclusion of the match, head coach Michael Dellorusso offered his thoughts on Arizona United’s victory…

(On the match…)

DELLORUSSO: “It was a lot of fun.  Good to see the boys again.  Little bit of a tease because we have to wait a few months, but we picked up right where we left off at the end of the year.  It was great to see the guys and good to get out and play.” 

(On what impressed him from Arizona United’s performance…)

DELLORUSSO: “Our organization.  We looked like a very disciplined professional team on the night.  We picked our moments when we needed to go, we capitalized on their mistakes, and really had great control of the game.” 

(On who stood out individually…)

DELLORUSSO: Long Tan had a good night, and Evan Newton had a good night.  Our backline was really good, and our midfield was organized.  All across the board it was a great team effort.” 

(On the goal…)

DELLORUSSO: “Little bit of a counter attack.  We were very efficient in it, and everybody played a role.  It went through about three or four different guys.  Sam Garza ended up trailing the play late, and the ball was laid back to him.  He came through, beat the goalkeeper, and I think Okafor actually hit the ball in before it crossed the line.  It was a good team goal.” 

(On Long Tan’s performance…)

DELLORUSSO: “He is at a good level.  He showed why he is one of the best number 9′s in the league.  He is very good for our team.  You see how well he meshes with the guys, how his work rate is always there, and his professionalism is always there.” 

(On what he told the guys following the conclusion of the match…)

DELLORUSSO: “Hopefully looking to get most back in February, and looking onward to next year by using this victory.  It was great for our organization to go out to Colorado Springs.  That is what USL PRO is all about.  Our players represented our organization very well, and everybody from Colorado was happy with them and happy with our organization.” 

(On the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC…)

DELLORUSSO: “They have a great thing going on up there.  They have put a lot of good people in great places.  The biggest thing for us this weekend was going up there to help them out.  Giving their fans a show to enjoy, and that is what we did.  I’m looking forward to them competing in the league because I think they are going to elevate the league like every other team that is coming into the league right now.”