Sticking Around For The Long Haul

Defender/Midfielder Scott Morrison approaches 6,000 career minutes played in the USL regular season as the United seeks to extend unbeaten streak against LA Galaxy II

By Bryan Washkewicz

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (August 28, 2015) — Professional sports, especially soccer, can take a toll on an athlete. Hours of training, studying opponents and game time adds up over the course of a career.

For Scott Morrison, in addition to maintaining a starting spot, his versatility and longevity have been a major asset in the defense and midfield for Arizona United SC (9-13-1).

“It’s been a pleasure being out here and playing so many minutes,” said Morrison. “I think my first season I was impressed with how many minutes I played. We played a lot of back-to-back games, and this year has been relatively easier on the body.”

Heading into Saturday’s match against LA Galaxy II (13-8-3), Morrison is less than 90 minutes away from playing 6,000 minutes in regular season USL play.

“As long as you stay healthy and take care of your body, there’s really no better climate to play in (than in Arizona),” Morrison said. “It’s warm, dry, the pitches are great, so there’s a lot going for ya’ out here.”

The Scottish-born defender has seen a lot of great competition throughout his career. He’s played with Aberdeen, Dunfermline Athletic and Ross County in Scotland, before making his way to Arizona with Phoenix FC in 2013. Since arriving in the United States, Scott has stayed in Arizona, and was a major player for Arizona United SC in its inaugural season in 2014.

“He’s a great pro,” said forward Dennis Chin. “He knows his body, he takes care of himself, and he knows his strengths and weaknesses. When you’ve got a guy like that where you have good consistency, you know what you’re gonna get, and will always get a lot of minutes.”

Scott and Arizona United SC will be back in action on August 29 at Scottsdale Stadium. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. against LA Galaxy II. Arizona United SC seeks to extend its 2-0-0 series lead this season against “Los Dos” in their third and final meeting. Tickets can still be purchased at ArizonaUnited.com. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and parking around the stadium is free.

For more information on Arizona United Soccer Club, follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer, Twitter @AZUnitedSC or Instagram @AZUnitedSC.