TEMPE, Ariz. -- Phoenix FC dropped its second consecutive home match Sunday night, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the L.A. Blues at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. It was the Wolves' third defeat in four matches in their inaugural USL Pro season.
Midfielder Scott Morrison's 68th-minute free kick goal was the only one Phoenix FC could manage despite outshooting the Blues 13-8 for the match. The Wolves logged 10 second-half shots as their attack constantly pressed forward, but they couldn't finish enough opportunities.
Nelson Pizarro opened the scoring for L.A. in the seventh minute, putting in a cross from teammate Matheau Hall. The Blues made it 2-0 on Cory Miller's header in the 15th minute.
"We just didn't start well," Morrison said.
Phoenix FC settled down and had more possession as the first half wore on, then continued the attack in the second half. Diego Faria and Anthony Obodai combined for five shots that missed the target.
Goalkeeper Sheldon Parkinson, starting in place of the injured Andrew Weber, came up with a big save in the 56th minute but was caught off his line and too far upfield when Sergio Ortiz lofted a shot over his head for the Blues' third goal in the 77th minute.
Substitute Cameron Vickers provided a spark on offense after he came on in the 71st minute, and Elliot Weber got a couple of opportunities after he entered in the 27th minute for an injured Devon Grousis. Weber, a defender, played forward, with Donny Toia dropping back from his midfield spot to defender.
Phoenix FC was also missing striker Darren Mackie, who is nursing a groin injury.
The Wolves travel to Sandy, Utah, for an April 22 match against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. Their next league match is April 28 at home against Wilmington.
