USL Feature
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Saturday night marks another important milestone for Arizona United SC and its supporters when the club plays its first game at Scottsdale Stadium. As United has evolved and progressed, the passionate supporters who make up La Furia Roja 1881 (LFR 1881) have helped spur the club forward on and off the field.
Long a popular destination for international friendlies, the Phoenix soccer community has begun to coalesce around its local professional club, and LFR1881 is at the center of the movement.
“I consider Arizona United my first team,” long-time LFR member Greg Spradlin said. “They are my local [club] and as a native I have a much more natural attachment to them rather than an MLS club or a European club.”
LFR boasts a diverse coalition of soccer supporters, who came together to form the independent group to support pro soccer in the Phoenix area.
“LFR1881 exists firstly to support the team on game day, but it's kind of become this monster of a network where the most unlikely of friendships and bonds are formed. With the great diversity we have here, we have just as diverse expectations and that offers great challenges on how we support on game day,” Spradlin said.
After playing last season at Peoria Sports Complex, United moves to Scottsdale Stadium this season, a location closer to the heart of the Phoenix metro area, and a facility that many players and supporters are excited to call home.
“In general Scottsdale is an area that tends to attract the demographics that will attend the matches,” Spradlin said. “ASU, for example, is mere miles away from Scottsdale Stadium, as well as numerous community colleges, even people living downtown will be a little closer. I think this year has the potential to be a real breakout year.”
While the stadium underwent conversion to a soccer configuration, United played its first four regular season games on the road, winning three of the games to surge up the Western Conference standings.
“I can’t remember an Arizona team ever being this successful, and to be that successful on the road to start the season, that brings a lot of momentum back home,” Spradlin said. “I think we’re looking forward to a high caliber or play, we’re looking forward to a great atmosphere in the stands, and it’s all very positive looking for this weekend.
Even with four road games to start the season, the group made its presence felt, as members attended all four of the games and viewing parties were held back in Arizona for those who couldn’t make the trips. The group will gather again this weekend, but this time it will only be for pre and postgame festivities as they move into their new home.
Interest in the club is at an all-time high, and with season tickets seeing a large increase during the off-season, a big crowd is expected for the Scottsdale Stadium opener.
“We’re just ready to get in the stands,” Spradlin said. “It’s great to get together with friends and watch the game on a YouTube stream, but what we live for is being in the stands, so everybody is ready to get out there and make it happen.”
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Arizona United SC supporters gave us their recommendations for any fans traveling to Arizona to attend a game at Scottsdale Stadium. Get the inside scoop from locals before planning your trip:
Supporters Perspective – A Guide to Arizona for visiting fans
Best Soccer Bar
Tim Finnegans, though there are now plenty to choose from. LFR meets at Brat Haus around United games.
Best Local Landmark
Musical Instrument Museum – a huge collection of instruments and musical artifacts from throughout the world.
Best Hidden Gem
Desert trail hikes. The desert isn’t quite hidden, but there are trails of all difficulty levels, with many in close proximity to the city center.
Best Place for Friday/Saturday Night
Roosevelt Row - a revitalized area of downtown with cool restaurants and art spaces. Also, Angel's Trumpet Ale House and FilmBar Phoenix.
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