Chemistry a problem for Arizona United SC

The excuse of being the new kid of USL Pro has gotten old.

With five games left in its inaugural season, Arizona United SCs had five months to develop team chemistry and a winning game plan, but neither element has taken shape for much of the season, and the result has United sitting in last place.

Including tonights game against the Oklahoma Energy FC, Arizona needs to win all five games to make the postseason, and it needs help from higher-seeded teams.

Chemistry has been a problem for United all season, on and off the pitch. Players have confronted one another on multiple occasions during practice and games throughout the season.

Devon Grousis, who played an integral role in the starting 11 early in April has been known to publish (via Twitter) his displeasure after losses or a lack of playing time. Since the posts, Grousis hasnt started since, and hes made just five appearances.

Arizona is currently on a three-game losing streak with losses to Charleston, Sacramento and LA Galaxy II, and the cracks are starting to show.

Arizona United coach Michael Dellorusso refused to talk to the media this week in preparation for the two matches in Oklahoma City Aug. 14 and against Pittsburgh Aug. 16. Dellorusso also makes an appearance every Tuesday on the Brad Cesmat Radio show on Sports360AZ.com, and sent team captain Matt Kassel to do the interview in his place on the Aug. 12 show.

Despite the struggles and bizarre behavior, the consensus around Arizona United is everything is fine.

There are no issues, Arizona United General Manager Kevin Stevenson said. Putting a team together in a matter of weeks is a difficult process. The one thing these guys are struggling with right now is getting used to losing.

But right now we are just pushing forward and are focused on finishing strong.

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Chemistry a problem for Arizona United SC