Recap: Swope Park Rangers vs Arizona United

Swope Park Rangers traveled Saturday night to Peoria, Arizona to take on Arizona United. Swope Park Rangers entered Saturday having not been beat in their last two games, and Arizona United came in having not won in their last four. SPR came to Arizona trying to not only continue their unbeaten streak, but to continue their climb for a playoff spot in the very tight western conference of the USL.

The Rangers had the majority of the chances and the possession in the first 25 minutes, but unfortunately gave up a penalty in the 26th minute. Arizona United's Uchenna Uzo attempted to control a ball from the corner, and Mark Anthony Gonzalez just simply got their a second too late and brought him down. United's Long Tan stepped up to take the penalty and cooly slotted the ball down the middle as Jon Kempin dove to the left.

Conceding early didn't seem to affect the Swope Park Rangers. The Rangers respondedly quickly by stringing a couple of passes together to give Tyrpak and opportunity in the box but it was handled by Arizona's Uzo. Kris Tyrpak stepped up to take the penalty and perfectly slotted it into the bottom right corner of the goal. This scoreline of 1-1 would be how the game would be how the half would end.

There were a few chances for each team during the second half, but the major talking point will be the confrontation that took place around the 61st minute between Amadou Dia and Matheus Silva. This event happened right in front of the SPR bench and some of the Ranger subs did get involved, which led to not only Silva getting a red but also SPR's Ayrton getting a red.

The game would finish 1-1. I would've thought that SPR could get three points from a Arizona United team that currently holds the 13th spot in the western conference standings, but I'm satisfied with a point on the road.

I had just a couple thoughts on the game. I thought Amadou Dia had another great game at left back for the Rangers, and I really hope he continues to perform well with the USL side. SPR did a good job of using their wingers in this game to exploit the back three of United. Lastly, Mark Anthony Gonzalez had a very dangerous around the box in the first half, and I found it a real shame he couldn't get on the score sheet.

Rangers will return home and look to continue their unbeaten streak against Oklahoma City Energy this Tuesday at 7:30pm.