Phoenix FC returns home for two games against Antigua Barracuda FC
Jul 5, 2013, 11:48 PM | Updated: 11:48 pm
Phoenix FC returns home this week to host Antigua Barracuda FC after having been on a two-game road trip that netted one point for the Wolves in the regular season USL PRO standings. With just eight regular season games remaining for Phoenix FC, the Wolves’ playoff chances will hinge on picking up essential wins this week against the last place Antigua.
Phoenix FC currently sits in twelfth place in the league standings, just 11 points behind Los Angeles for the eighth and final spot in the 2013 USL PRO playoffs. The Wolves are 2-10-6 heading into Saturday’s match, having lost to Harrisburg 2-1 and having played to a scoreless draw against Rochester last week in back-to-back matches on the road. Antigua has yet to win or tie a match this season, and the Wolves look to capitalize on their home field advantage in Arizona’s summer heat.
Sheldon Parkinson, Phoenix FC’s second choice goalkeeper for most of the season, will likely get the nod at goal versus Antigua this Saturday. Phoenix FC has a number of regulars injured this week, including Travis Bowen with an injured groin, Peabo Doue with a hip flexer and Elliot Weber out with a hernia. Diego Faria will likely be back after recuperating from shin splints, and Isaiah Schafer will be a game time decision with a sore right hamstring. The current standings and injuries will pave the way for a number of younger players getting valuable regular season playing time.
Antigua Barracuda FC is playing all of its matches on the road this season. The Caribbean team will play Saturday at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe, and will face Phoenix FC again next Thursday, July 11 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. The stadium site is being moved due to an event at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium being scheduled prior to the release of the 2013 USL PRO regular season schedule. Phoenix FC will return to Sun Devil Soccer Stadium on July 19 to host the Richmond Kickers.
Antigua Barracuda FC has scored just 5 goals in sixteen games this season; 2 from forward Orlando Mitchum, 2 from forward Tamorley Thomas and another from defender Hazeley Pyle. Conversely, Antigua has given up 54 goals on the season on 210 shots faced.
Both matches against Antigua Barracuda FC will be streamed on live at uslnation.com.