Match Preview: Albuquerque FC hit the road to face FC Arizona

By Chris Walker | June 15, 2019 | seekandstrikecollective@gmail.com

WPSL expansion side Albuquerque FC (2-1-0, 6 points) start up their road trip against WPSL expansion side FC Arizona (0-3-0, 0 points) at Tempe Sports Complex tonight at 7:00 pm MST. There is no live stream for the match.

Albuquerque FC travels to Tempe, Arizona after a supreme showing in their home opener. Last Sunday, Albuquerque FC held FC Tucson to their first scoreless match of 2019. During the match, Albuquerque FC had multiple scoring opportunities, including leading goal-scorer Gwen Maly’s third goal on the season, which came during stoppage time in the first half. This created momentum going into the half. In the second half, Albuquerque FC staved off a mounting attack effort by FC Tucson and Calista Cordero found the back of the net in 82’off of a loose ricochet when goalkeeper Hope Hisey wasn’t able to trap the ball off a set piece. Brittney Harris got her back in 91’ with a rocketing set piece that traveled into the net just under the crossbar. Albuquerque FC secured their second shutout of the season, leading the Desert Division with two clean sheets.

With the result against FC Tucson, Albuquerque FC moved into 2nd spot in the Desert Division.

This evening’s matchup looks to be one where Albuquerque FC will have to maintain a high press to win the ball up higher to create chances to score. FC Arizona, winless through 3 matches, has conceded 7 goals on the season so far. If Maly has the ball, there’s a high probability for a score. She has scored in two out of Albuquerque FC’s three matches. If Leilani Baker gets good isolation and wins her 1v1 duels on the wing, I expect her to contribute to the scoreline. Albuquerque FC will be without goalkeeper Kat Robinson for the remainder of the season. Robinson is heading back to the University of Pittsburgh to prepare for her upcoming college season. Robinson conceded 2 goals from 3 matches, both from penalty kicks and is credited with 20 saves. Goalkeeper Mia Montano moves up the ladder and makes the start today in the box. Montano has played in 2 matches thus far logging just 15 minutes of playing time. FC Arizona’s leading goal-scorer Hannah Bolton bagged a Hat Trick against Phoenix Del Sol a few weeks back. Albuquerque FC will have to win their duels with Bolton to keep her scoreless in this match.

LAST MATCH

FC Tuscon 0 | Albuquerque FC 3: Albuquerque FC remained scoreless through the first half until Maly’s shot shuttled into the net. FC Tucson has several opportunities to score. Albuquerque FC backline and goalkeeper produced defensively recording 9 saves. This is Albuquerque FC’s second clean sheet of the season splitting the pair on the road and at home.

Phoenix Del Sol 2 | FC Arizona 0: Phoenix Del Sol’s opening goal was recorded at 39’ by Olivia Jones. Not even ten minutes after the first goal, Adriana Orozco pockets the second goal at 47’ to put Phoenix Del Sol up 2-0. FC Arizona goalkeeper Sarah Reyes had 4 saves on the evening along with the 2 goals conceded.

2018 RECORD

• Albuquerque FC: N/A
• FC Arizona: N/A

GAME NOTES

• Albuquerque FC (2-1-0, 6 points) picked up 3 points last weekend in their home opener against FC Tucson (1-1-2, 5 points).
• Albuquerque FC is 1-0-0 at home and 1-1-0 on the road in 2019.
• FC Arizona is 0-2-0 at home and 0-1-0 on the road in 2019.
• Albuquerque FC sit in 2nd spot in the Desert Division.
• Albuquerque FC feature U-20 WNT member Brianna Martinez
• Hannah Bolton leads FC Arizona in goals this year (3)
• Gwen Maly leads the team in goals this year (3) and has one brace on the season.
• Corey Kizer, Claire Lynch, Leilani Baker lead the team in assist this year (1).

Next Up, Albuquerque FC completes their road trip as they face Las Vegas Players SC at James Regional Sports Park in Las Vegas, Nevada at 7 pm PT.