Phoenix Rising FC

Phoenix Rising FC
Full name Phoenix Rising Football Club
Founded March 13, 2014 (2014-03-13) as Arizona United SC
Stadium Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex
Tempe, Arizona
Ground Capacity 6,200
Owners
Head Coach Patrice Carteron
League USL
2016 13th, Western Conference
Playoffs: DNQ
Website Club website

Phoenix Rising Football Club is a professional soccer team based in Phoenix. Founded in 2014 as Arizona United Soccer Club, the team is a member of the United Soccer League, the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.

History

On March 13, 2014, Kyle Eng, owner of Arrowhead Agency, launched the franchise and named it Arizona United SC. It took the place of Phoenix FC, which folded the previous day, in the USL Pro league.[2][3][4][5]

2014 Season

In just 178 days after the franchise was awarded by the USL Pro, Arizona United hired a front office staff and coach, put together a roster, secured a stadium, played 28 regular season games, reached the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup and was in contention for a playoff spot until the next-to-last week of the season.[6][7]

University of Maryland Assistant Coach Michael Dellorusso was named Head Coach on March 28, 2014.[8][9] United lost their first game to Oklahoma City Energy FC 4-0 on April 12, 2014.[10][11] They defeated Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 for their first win on April 19, 2014. Brandon Swartzendruber scored the team's first ever goal in the 37th minute. FC Dallas loanee Jonathan Top scored the game winner in the 85th minute.[12][13][14][15]

United won 4 of their last 5 games to move up from 13th place to 9th, but fell 4 points short of qualifying for the playoffs. Jonathan Top and ex-Orlando City standout Long Tan led the team in scoring with 5 goals each. Tan was also selected for the All-League Second Team.[16] Goalkeeper Evan Newton was second in the league in saves. United finished with a 10-13-5 record.[6]

2014 US Open Cup

In their first US Open Cup appearance, Arizona United lasted until the Fourth Round, the longest Open Cup run of any Arizona club in history. Entering the tournament in the Second Round, United defeated Portland Timbers U23s of the PDL 3-2 in Portland on May 13. They were losing 2-1 late in the game when London Woodberry tied the game in the 88th Minute and Daniel Antúnez scored the winning goal with seconds left in stoppage time.[17][18][19] In the Third Round, United defeated Oklahoma City Energy FC of USL Pro 2-1 in extra time May 28 at the Peoria Sports Complex. The game winner was scored by Bradlee Baladez in the 112th Minute and Evan Newton saved a last minute penalty kick awarded to the Energy.[20][21][22] Their Open Cup run ended with a 2-1 loss to the eventual MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy at home on June 18. Gyasi Zardes scored two goals in the second half two minutes apart after Matt Kassel gave United a 1-0 lead at halftime.[23][24][25]

2015 Season

The Arizona United SC team signed a one-year agreement to play their home games at Scottsdale Stadium on December 16, 2014.[26] United signed a one-year affiliation agreement with FC Dallas on February 9, 2015.[27][28][29] United finished 10th in the Western Conference with a 10-16-2 record. Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski set a USL record with 130 saves. Long Tan again led the team with 14 goals, which was tied for 4th in the league with Luke Vercollone. Tan was also selected for the USL All-League First Team.[30] On September 25, the club declined to extend the contract of Head Coach Michael Dellorusso.[31]

2016 Season

Brett M. Johnson, founder and CEO of Benevolent Capital and Managing Director of Zealot Networks, purchased a minority share of the team. He was named Co-Chairman and President of Arizona United on December 9, 2015.[32][33] Frank Yallop, who coached the San Jose Earthquakes to MLS Cup championships in 2001 & 2003, was signed to a three-year contract as Head Coach and President of Soccer Operations on December 23, 2015.[34][35][36] An investment group of music artists and executives led by Grammy Award winning DJ, record producer and rapper/songwriter Diplo purchased a minority stake in Arizona United on January 27, 2016.[37][38] Scottsdale Stadium did not renew their lease with United and the team signed a three-year lease with their original stadium, Peoria Sports Complex, on January 26, 2016.[39] Pete Wentz, bassist for the rock group Fall Out Boy, purchased a minority share on April 11, 2016.[40]

2017 Season: Rebranding

On August 31, 2016, team founder Kyle Eng sold his majority share to an investment group led by Berke Bakay, President and CEO of Kona Grill.[41][42] On November 28, 2016, the team was rebranded Phoenix Rising FC by the new ownership.[43][44][45]

On March 25, 2017, A record crowd of 6,890 attended Rising FC's first game of 2017 at their new Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex, a soccer-specific stadium and training facility built on the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community near Tempe. They lost to Toronto FC II 1-0.[46][47][48] They defeated LA Galaxy II 2-1 for their first win at the complex and as Rising FC on April 8.[49][50]

The 2017 season started with three major signings. Guadalajara's all-time leading scorer Omar Bravo was signed on February 9.[51][52] Shaun Wright-Phillips, who played for Manchester City, Chelsea, and the English national team, was signed on February 24.[53][54][55] Former Chelsea player and Ivory Coast leading goalscorer Didier Drogba was signed on April 12. He also received an ownership stake in the club.[56][57][58][59]

Another record crowd of 7,126 welcomed Drogba to the "Valley of the Sun," as Greater Phoenix is sometimes known, and Phoenix Rising FC defeated the Swope Park Rangers 4-3 on April 23.[60] Frank Yallop resigned as Director of Soccer Operations and Head Coach on April 24, 2017 for family reasons. Assistant Coach Rick Schantz was named Interim Head Coach.[61][62] Former Ligue 1 and Mali national team coach Patrice Carteron was named Rising FC Head Coach on May 22, 2017.[63][64]

Colors and badge

Phoenix Rising FC's official colors are red, black, white, gold and grey.

Kit evolution

Home and away kits.

2014
2015
2016
2017
2014
2015
2016
2017

Sponsorship

Seasons Kit Manufacturer Kit Sponsor
2014 Lotto Front: Abrazo Health Care
Back: OrthoArizona
Secondary: Nationwide Vision
2015 Adidas Front: Dignity Health
Back: NuAquos Sports Drink
Secondary: Nationwide Vision; TexasHoldEm.com
2016 Nike Front: Food City
2017 Adidas Front: Mad Decent
Secondary: Mayo Clinic

Players

Current squad

Where a player has not declared an international allegiance, nation is determined by place of birth. Squad correct as of August 10, 2017.[65]

No. Position Player Nation
1 Goalkeeper Woszczynski, CarlCarl Woszczynski  United States
3 Defender Wakasa, KodyKody Wakasa  United States
4 Midfielder Gavin, BlairBlair Gavin  United States
5 Defender Ramage, PeterPeter Ramage  England
6 Midfielder Timm, MiguelMiguel Timm  South Africa
7 Forward Cortez, ChrisChris Cortez  United States
8 Midfielder Watson, MattMatt Watson  England
9 Forward Bravo, OmarOmar Bravo  Mexico
10 Midfielder Rooney, LukeLuke Rooney  England
11 Forward Drogba, DidierDidier Drogba (Captain)  Ivory Coast
13 Midfielder Arreola, EderEder Arreola  United States
14 Forward Johnson, JasonJason Johnson  Jamaica
15 Midfielder Gibbons, JordanJordan Gibbons  England
17 Midfielder Riggi, AlessandroAlessandro Riggi  Canada
18 Goalkeeper Cohen, JoshJosh Cohen  United States
19 Defender Dia, AmadouAmadou Dia  United States
20 Midfielder Hernandez, RomilioRomilio Hernandez  El Salvador
23 Forward Hurlow-Paonessa, MatthewMatthew Hurlow-Paonessa  United States
24 Midfielder Gray, A. J.A. J. Gray  Canada
25 Defender Vásquez, VictorVictor Vásquez  United States
29 Midfielder Wright-Phillips, ShaunShaun Wright-Phillips  England
30 Midfielder Avila, EricEric Avila  United States
33 Defender Stewart, JordanJordan Stewart  England
34 Defender Greer, J. J.J. J. Greer  United States
55 Goalkeeper Wirth, NolanNolan Wirth  Canada
— Midfielder Hamilton, SamSam Hamilton (on loan from Colorado Rapids)  United States
— Midfielder Lambert, KevonKevon Lambert  Jamaica
— Defender Mala, DoueuguiDoueugui Mala  Ivory Coast

Year-by-year

As of August 5, 2017
Arizona United SC
Season United Soccer League Play-offs US Open Cup Top Scorer 2 Head Coach Team Captain(s)
P W L D GF GA Pts Pos Player Goals
2014 28 10 13 5 32 47 33 1 9th DNQ 4R Guatemala Jonathan Top
China Long Tan		 5 United States Michael Dellorusso United States Matt Kassel
2015 28 10 16 2 31 55 32 10th, Western DNQ 2R China Long Tan 14 United States Michael Dellorusso United States Rob Valentino
United States Carl Woszczynski
2016 30 9 14 7 40 46 34 13th, Western DNQ 3R China Long Tan 10 Canada Frank Yallop United States Blair Gavin
Phoenix Rising FC
Season United Soccer League Play-offs US Open Cup Top Scorer 2 Head Coach Team Captain(s)
P W L D GF GA Pts Pos Player Goals
2017 18 7 7 4 22 27 25 10th, Western TBD 3R Ivory Coast Didier Drogba 5 Canada Frank Yallop (2-2-0)
United States Rick Schantz (2-3-0)
France Patrice Carteron (3-2-4)		 England Peter Ramage
Ivory Coast Didier Drogba

^ 1. Deducted two points for fielding an ineligible player.
^ 2. Top Scorer includes statistics from league matches only.

Head coaches

Coach Nationality Start End Games Win Loss Draw Win %
Michael Dellorusso  United States March 28, 2014 September 25, 2015 60 22 31 7 036.67
Frank Yallop  Canada December 23, 2015 April 24, 2017 36 12 17 7 033.33
Rick Schantz (Interim)  United States April 24, 2017 June 6, 2017 7 3 4 0 042.86
Patrice Carteron  France May 22, 2017 Present 9 3 2 4 033.33

Average attendance

Year Reg. Season
2014 2,395
2015 3,304
2016 1,470
2017 6,352

Player honors

Year Pos Player Country Honor
2014 FW Long Tan China China All-League Second Team
2015 FW Long Tan China China All-League First Team

Staff

Front Office Staff
USL Governor Berke Bakay
Co-Chairman & Alternate USL Governor Brett M Johnson
Chief Operating Officer Bobby Dulle
Vice President of Operations Mike Jenkins
Vice President of Marketing and Sales Sam Doerr
Finance Manager Anna Salazar
Community / Partner Relations Heber Valenzuela
Media Relations / Communications H. Jose Bosch
Director of Box Office Operations Judy Kirk
Partnership Coordinator Marisa Elliot
Sales Associates Dylan Cambareri
Joey Castor
Brian Kim
Technical Staff
Head Coach Patrice Carteron
Assistant Coach Rick Schantz
Goalkeeping Coach & Team Administrator Cory Robertson

[66][67]

Stadium

Phoenix Rising called the Peoria Sports Complex home during the 2014 and 2016 seasons. They played at Scottsdale Stadium during the 2015 season. In 2017, a soccer-specific stadium was constructed, the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex, in time for the 2017 season.

The inaugural match for the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex on March 25, 2017, Toronto FC II vs. Phoenix Rising FC.

Supporters

There are two main independent supporters groups of Phoenix Rising FC, Los Bandidos Football Firm[68] and La Furia Roja 1881.[69] Both groups stand in the supporters section behind the south goal of the stadium.

References

  1. ↑ "PRFC Ownership". Phoenix Rising FC. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Phoenix FC to rebrand, reveals new owners, club name and crest". Odeen Domingo. ODFCnews.com. March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Ownership Change, Rebrand in Phoenix". United Soccer Leagues (USL). March 13, 2014. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  4. ↑ "USL PRO announces Arizona United SC". Garrett Cleverly. AZKicksIt. March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Arizona United SC ready for 'fresh start' in new season". Jeff Wendt. Arizona Republic. April 8, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Arizona United owner pleased with club's first year, excited for future; Season in review". Danny Shapiro. ODFCnews.com. September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Arizona United SC looks ahead to the 2015 season". Jeff Wendt. Arizona Republic. September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Arizona United SC announces head coach; owner explains hire". Odeen Domingo. ODFCnews.com. March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Arizona Hires Dellorusso As Head Coach". United Soccer Leagues (USL). March 28, 2014. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Arizona United Soccer Club loses season opener to Oklahoma City". Mauricio Casillas. ODFCnews.com. April 12, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Energy Take Victory Against United". United Soccer Leagues (USL). April 12, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  12. ↑ "United Claims First Victory". United Soccer Leagues (USL). April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Arizona United scores late winner to top Sacramento Republic FC on historic night". Danny Shapiro. ODFCnews.com. April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2014.
  14. ↑ "AZ United SC breaks through with first victory in franchise history". Brad Cesmat. Sports360AZ.com. April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2014.
  15. ↑ "FC Dallas loans Jonathan Top to USL PRO side Arizona United". FC Dallas. April 8, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Arizona United Soccer Club forward Long Tan named to 2014 USL PRO All-League Second Team". Arizona United Soccer Club. September 23, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Arizona United Soccer Club scores three goals in final ten minutes to defeat Portland Timbers U-23s in U.S. Open Cup Round 2". Arizona United SC. May 13, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  18. ↑ "2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Arizona United’s 3 late goals, game-winner on final kick stuns Portland Timbers U23s, 3-2 (video)". thecup.us. May 14, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Arizona Rallies Past Timbers U-23s". United Soccer Leagues (USL). May 13, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  20. ↑ "2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Arizona United wins battle of USL PRO expansion teams, 2-1 over Oklahoma City Energy". thecup.us. May 29, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Arizona United Soccer Club makes history with U.S. Open Cup win". Arizona United SC. May 28, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  22. ↑ "United Advances Past Energy". United Soccer Leagues (USL). May 28, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  23. ↑ "2014 US Open Cup Round 4: LA Galaxy flips second half switch, eliminates Arizona United 2-1 (video)". thecup.us. June 19, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Arizona United SC's U.S. Open Cup run ends following loss to LA Galaxy". Arizona United SC. June 18, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Galaxy Comes Back vs. Arizona". United Soccer Leagues (USL). June 18, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Arizona United Soccer Club Moving To Scottsdale Stadium". Arizona United SC. December 16, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  27. ↑ "FC Dallas is locking up Arizona United as their USL PRO affiliate". Big D Soccer. November 24, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Arizona United Soccer Club Affiliates With Major League Soccer's FC Dallas". Arizona United SC. February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  29. ↑ "FC Dallas announces USL PRO affiliation with Arizona United SC". FC Dallas. February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  30. ↑ "Long Tan Named to USL All-League First Team". Arizona United SC. October 26, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Arizona United SC Declines to Extend Head Coach Michael Dellorusso's Contract". Arizona United SC. September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
  32. ↑ "Arizona United SC Names Brett M. Johnson President and Co-Chairman". Arizona United SC. December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  33. ↑ "United Names Brett M. Johnson President, Co-Chairman". United Soccer Leagues (USL). December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Two-Time MLS Cup Winner Yallop to Lead United SC". United Soccer League (USL). December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Frank Yallop Joins United as Head Coach and President of Soccer Ops". Arizona United SC. December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Yallop to steer the good ship Arizona United". Ted Prezelski. Tucson Sentinel. December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  37. ↑ "Diplo leads group in minority purchase of Arizona United". Andrew Joseph. Arizona Republic. January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Music Producer and DJ Diplo leads group investing in Arizona United Soccer Club". Arizona United SC. January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  39. ↑ "AZ United returns to Peoria Sports Complex". Darrell Jackson. Glendale Star. February 4, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Fall Out Boy Bassist Pete Wentz Invests In Arizona United Soccer Club". Arizona United SC. April 11, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  41. ↑ "Leading Phoenix-Based Businessmen Acquire Arizona United Soccer Club". Arizona United SC. August 31, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  42. ↑ "Arizona United owner Eng sells majority share of team". Jeff Wendt. Firebird Rising Blog. August 31, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Arizona United SC Unveils New Name and Exciting Improvements In Anticipation of 2017 Season". Phoenix Rising FC. November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  44. ↑ "Arizona United SC Unveils Phoenix Rising FC Rebrand". United Soccer League. November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Arizona United SC reveals new name and logo, plus stadium plans for 2017 season". Alejandro Barahona. Arizona Republic. November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Recap: Phoenix Rising FC Opens Brand New Soccer-Specific Stadium In Loss To Toronto FC II". Phoenix Rising FC. March 25, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  47. ↑ "TFC II Earns Win on Rising FC's Record Night". Nicholas Murray. United Soccer League (USL). March 26, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  48. ↑ "Rising FC Players Thrilled by Stadium, Fans". Nicholas Murray. United Soccer League (USL). March 26, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  49. ↑ "Rooney Rises to Occasion for Phoenix". Nicholas Murray. United Soccer League (USL). April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  50. ↑ "Recap: Phoenix Rising FC Wins Its First Match of 2017 In 2-1 Thriller Over LA Galaxy II". Phoenix Rising FC. April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  51. ↑ "USL's Phoenix Rising sign Mexico legend Omar Bravo". ESPNFC.US. February 9, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  52. ↑ "Chivas All-Time Leading Scorer Omar Bravo Signs With Phoenix Rising FC". United Soccer League (USL). February 9, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  53. ↑ "Phoenix Rising FC sign former Red Bulls MF Shaun Wright-Phillips". Jeff Wendt. Firebird Rising Blog. February 24, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  54. ↑ "Renowned Manchester City, Chelsea and English International Midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips Joins Phoenix Rising Football Club". Phoenix Rising FC. February 24, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  55. ↑ "Former England International Wright-Phillips joins Rising FC". United Soccer League (USL). February 24, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  56. ↑ "Didier Drogba, eyeing MLS expansion, joins Phoenix Rising FC". Arizona Republic. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  57. ↑ "Chelsea and Ivory Coast Legend Didier Drogba Joins Phoenix Rising Football Club". Phoenix Rising FC. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  58. ↑ "Drogba signs with USL's Phoenix Rising FC". United Soccer League (USL). April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  59. ↑ "Didier Drogba: Ex-Chelsea striker joins Phoenix Rising as player and co-owner". BBC Sport. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  60. ↑ "Rising FC Clings on to Oust Rangers". Charlie Corr. United Soccer League (USL). April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  61. ↑ "Rising FC Begins Coaching Search". United Soccer League (USL). April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  62. ↑ "Frank Yallop resigns as Phoenix Rising FC head coach". Arizona Republic. April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  63. ↑ "Celebrated International Soccer Coach Patrice Carteron Joins Phoenix Rising FC As New Head Coach". Phoenix Risng FC. May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  64. ↑ "Rising FC Names Carteron as Head Coach". United Soccer League (USL). May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  65. ↑ "Phoenix Rising FC Pro Roster". Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  66. ↑ Phoenix Rising FC Front Office Staff
  67. ↑ Phoenix Rising FC Technical Staff
  68. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1771679919723615/
  69. ↑ https://lfr1881.org
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