Phoenix FC looks to string together win streak against Antigua Barracuda FC
Jul 11, 2013, 1:14 AM | Updated: 1:15 am
Phoenix FC got a much-needed victory Saturday night, beating Antigua Barracuda FC by a score of 1-0 thanks to a goal from Diego Faria in the 34th minute and tough defense throughout the rest of the match. The Wolves look to string together their first win streak of the season as they once again host Antigua this Thursday night. The match will take place across town from Phoenix FC’s home field in Tempe due to scheduling conflicts this week only, and will instead be played at Grand Canyon University Soccer Field for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
The Wolves are fighting for a playoff spot in USL PRO and are in need of three points from wins in their remaining seven matches, five of which are home games. With this Thursday’s match comes an opportunity for the Wolves to chip away at the teams in front of them and to tally six points in the span of one week.
That task may have gotten more difficult this week as Phoenix FC continues to suffer injuries amongst many of its starters. Starters Travis Bowen (groin) and Peabo Doue (hip flexer) remain on the injured list. Midfielder Diego Faria, who started last week and scored the only goal against Antigua after having battled back from shin splints for three weeks prior, is out again with an injured calf. Forward Darren Mackie (groin) and defender Isaiah Schafer (hamstring) are listed as probable and both will be game-time decisions. Elliot Weber is out with a hernia.
Phoenix FC’s starting goalkeeper, Sheldon Parkinson, came down awkwardly on his left knee in the 77th minute of last week’s game and he is expected to miss the next three to four weeks. Humberto Soriano, seeing playing time for the first time this season, came in to finish the final 12 minutes of play at goal for Parkinson and it is likely he will dress this week for the Wolves.
Antigua Barracuda FC, which plays all of its 2013 regular season USL PRO matches on the road, failed to notch a single shot on goal Saturday despite aggressive play. The club has scored just five goals in seventeen games this season, and has given up 61 goals off of 235 shots faced.
This week’s match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Grand Canyon University Soccer Field. The match will be streamed live at www.uslnation.com.
For more information on Phoenix FC, visit their official team website.
