Phoenix Rising FC

(Redirected from Arizona United)

Phoenix Rising Football Club is an American professional soccer team based in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 2014 as Arizona United Soccer Club, the team is a member of the USL Championship. They won the league championship in 2023, defeating the Charleston Battery 3–2 on penalty kicks after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.[4]

Phoenix Rising FC
Full namePhoenix Rising Football Club
Short namePRFC
FoundedMarch 13, 2014; 10 years ago (2014-03-13) (as Arizona United SC)
StadiumPhoenix Rising Soccer Stadium
Phoenix, Arizona[1]
Capacity10,000[2]
Owners
List
Head coachPa-Modou Kah
LeagueUSL Championship
20248th, Western Conference
Playoffs: Conference Quarterfinals
Websitephxrisingfc.com
Current season

History

edit

On March 13, 2014, Kyle Eng, owner of an advertising 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.[5][6][7][8]

2014 season

edit

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.[9][10]

University of Maryland Assistant Coach Michael Dellorusso was named head coach on March 28, 2014.[11][12] United lost their first game to Oklahoma City Energy FC 4–0 on April 12, 2014.[13][14] 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.[15][16][17][18]

United won four of their last five games to move up from 13th place to 9th, but fell four points short of qualifying for the playoffs. Jonathan Top and ex-Orlando City standout Long Tan led the team in scoring with five goals each. Tan was also selected for the All-League Second Team.[19] Goalkeeper Evan Newton was second in the league in saves. United finished with a 10–13–5 record.[9]

2014 US Open Cup

edit

In their first US Open Cup appearance, Arizona United lasted until the fourth round, the longest Open Cup run of any Arizona club. 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.[20][21][22] 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.[23][24][25] 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.[26][27][28]

 
Historical chart of Phoenix Rising's regular season performance within the American soccer pyramid

2015 season

edit

Arizona United signed a one-year agreement to play their home games at Scottsdale Stadium on December 16, 2014.[29] United signed a one-year affiliation agreement with FC Dallas on February 9, 2015.[30][31][32] 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.[33] On September 25, the club declined to extend the contract of head coach Michael Dellorusso.[34]

2016 season

edit

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.[35][36] 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.[37][38][39] 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.[40][41] 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.[42] Pete Wentz, bassist for the rock group Fall Out Boy, purchased a minority share on April 11, 2016.[43]

2017 season: rebranding and playoff run

edit

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.[44][45] On November 28, 2016, the team was rebranded Phoenix Rising FC by the new ownership.[46][47][48]

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.[49][50][51] They defeated LA Galaxy II 2–1 for their first win at the complex and as Rising FC on April 8.[52][53]

The 2017 season started with three major signings. Guadalajara's all-time leading scorer Omar Bravo was signed on February 9.[54][55] Shaun Wright-Phillips, who played for Manchester City, Chelsea, New York Red Bulls and the England national team, was signed on February 24.[56][57][58] Former Chelsea player and Ivory Coast leading goalscorer Didier Drogba was signed on April 12. He also purchased an ownership stake in the club.[59][60][61][62]

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.[63] 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.[64][65] Former Ligue 1 and Mali national team coach Patrice Carteron was named Rising FC Head Coach on May 22, 2017.[66][67]

In the second half of the season, the Rising won 11 games, tied 3 and lost only one. This included 11 straight games without a loss with a five-game winning streak, both team records. Jason Johnson lead the team with 13 goals. Didier Drogba scored 9 goals, even though he was out for a few weeks with a groin injury. During the unbeaten streak, goalkeeper Josh Cohen earned 6 shutouts in 8 games, which gave him the USL Player of the Month award for September.

The Rising clinched their first ever playoff berth by defeating the Portland Timbers 2 on September 27 by a 2–0 score. Their record was 17 wins, 8 losses and 7 ties, earning them 5th place in the Western Conference. A penalty kick shootout won by Swope Park Rangers eliminated Phoenix after playing to a 1–1 tie. The game was interrupted by lightning and heavy rains after the first half, so the second half was played the following day.[68]

Phoenix Rising FC purchased FC Tucson of the Premier Development League, now known as USL League Two, on October 11, 2017. FC Tucson serves as Rising FC's USL 2 affiliate.[69][70][71]

2018 season

edit

Advantage Sports Union Ltd., led by Alex Zheng, purchased a share of Phoenix Rising on February 10, 2018, to bolster its MLS bid.[72][73][74]

2019 season

edit

Phoenix Rising FC concluded an international cooperation agreement with Galatasaray SK of Turkey on April 5, 2019. The partnership includes cooperation on soccer operations, commercial projects, discovery and training of youth soccer players, international exhibition matches, tournaments and training programs for coaches and players.[75][76][77]

From May 5 to September 14, 2019, Phoenix Rising FC won 20 consecutive matches – setting a league and North American record for the longest winning streak.[78][79] The streak ran parallel with another streak of home wins during the club's "Dollar Beer Night" promotion, which dates back to 2017.[80] The streak came to an end on September 21 with a 2–1 loss to Fresno FC. Rising FC earned the USL Championship Regular Season Title on September 28 after playing New Mexico United to a 2–2 draw.[81][82][83]

2020 season

edit

Phoenix Rising FC finished the season with a 11–2–3 (35 points) record in a COVID-shortened season. Immediately after the first week of competition, the season was suspended by the United Soccer League due to the worldwide COVID-19 Pandemic. Prior to the resumption of play, The rules of competition were changed, placing teams in "groups" to decrease team-to-team contact as well as reduce travel costs.[84] Phoenix Rising finished atop its group, which included LA Galaxy II, Orange County SC, San Diego Loyal SC, and Las Vegas Lights FC. The team's 35 points were enough for second place in the Western Conference, behind only now-defunct Reno 1868 FC.

Phoenix Rising FC defeated Sacramento Republic FC 1–0 in the USL Western Conference Playoffs, and advanced on kicks-from-the mark (4–5) after a 2–2 draw with Reno 1868 FC in the conference Semi-finals. On October 24, 2020, Phoenix Rising earned its second Western Conference Championship, moving past El Paso Locomotive FC in kicks-from-the-mark (4–2) after playing to a 1–1 draw.

Normally, this would have earned Rising a chance to host the 2020 USL Championship Final. Rising had finished tied with Louisville City FC on points and wins, but Rising finished with a higher goal differential. However, just before the Western Conference Final, Phoenix Rising announced it would not host the Championship Final if it advanced that far. Rising was only in contention to host the final after San Diego Loyal walked off the field during its September 30 match in protest of Junior Flemmings directing a homophobic slur at one of its players. Due to the ensuing outcry, Rising announced that if it advanced to the Championship Final, it would give up home field advantage to the Eastern Conference champion.[85] Rising were set to play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Championship Final, but the game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Rowdies organization.[86]

Team captain Solomon Asante was voted the league's Most Valuable Player for the second time, joining Kevin Molino as the only players to achieve such honors, and the first to do so in consecutive seasons.[87] Winger Junior Flemmings earned the Golden Boot for scoring 14 goals in 14 appearances prior to being suspended at the end of the season.

Homophobia controversy

edit

During a game with San Diego Loyal on September 30, Junior Flemmings was accused of using a Jamaican homophobic slur against the openly gay Loyal midfielder Collin Martin.[88][89] The Loyal, who had been leading 3–1 up to that point, walked off the field in protest and forfeited the match.[88][89]

Video capturing an exchange between Rising coach Rick Schantz and Loyal coach Landon Donovan over the incident led to claims of Schantz telling Donovan that the incident was "part of the game,"[90] that the players were "competing,"[91] as well as accusations that Schantz tried to downplay the incident.[92] Brandon McCarthy, a minority-owner, was accused of questioning the veracity of accusations made against Flemmings, suggesting in a direct message with another Twitter user that the Loyal, who forfeited a match against the LA Galaxy II in the days prior over the alleged use of a racial slur against a Black Loyal player,[93] planned to forfeit the match to continue making a statement on social justice.[94]

Prior to the incident, the Rising, along with McCarthy, were noted for their support of the LGBTQ+ community.[95][96]

As a result of the incident and statements in the aftermath, both Flemmings and Head Coach Rick Schantz were suspended and fined.[97][98][99] Schantz was reinstated as head coach on October 21 after Collin Martin accepted an apology by Schantz for his remarks.[100]

2021 season

edit

On February 18, 2021, Rising FC transferred ownership of FC Tucson to Benevolent Sports Tucson LLC, led by Rising minority owner Brett M. Johnson.[101]

Rising FC opened the 2021 season in a new team complex in Chandler, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass. The team offices were moved there, in addition to a main stadium and two practice fields constructed on the site. They won their first game at the new, 10,000 seat capacity Wild Horse Pass stadium by defeating San Diego Loyal SC 4–1 on April 30, 2021.[102]

2022 season

edit

2023 season

edit

Rising FC opened the season on a skid of poor form before pulling their way into the playoff as the season came to a close. The first round of the postseason, they defeated their rivals San Diego Loyal in that club's final game ever before going on an unprecedented run to win the Western Conference, and then the USL title itself on penalties, the club's first USL title.

2024 season

edit

Colors and badge

edit

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

Sponsorship

edit
Seasons Shirt manufacturer Shirt 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
2018–2020   Macron[103] Front: Carvana[104][105]
Secondary: Mayo Clinic
2021   Adidas[106]
2022–present Front: Carvana[107]
Secondary: Northern Arizona University[108]

Club culture

edit

There are two independent supporters groups of Phoenix Rising FC: "Los Bandidos Football Firm",[109] and "Union 602".[110]

Stadiums

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

Arizona United SC 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, the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, was constructed in time for the 2017 season, the first for the newly rechristened Phoenix Rising FC.[51] On March 15, 2019, Casino Arizona signed a sponsorship deal with Rising, including naming rights to the stadium, which was renamed Casino Arizona Field.[111]

The club announced, beginning with the 2021 USL Championship season, it would move to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, and closing the temporary stadium at Casino Arizona Field.[112] In 2022, the club agreed to build a new stadium in Phoenix, with plans to move into it beginning with the 2023 season.[113][114][115]

Arizona United SC

edit
Venue Location Years in use Capacity
Peoria Sports Complex Peoria, Arizona 2014, 2016 12,339
Scottsdale Stadium Scottsdale, Arizona 2015 12,000

Phoenix Rising FC

edit
Venue Location Years in use Capacity
Casino Arizona Field Tempe, Arizona 2017–2020 6,200
Wild Horse Pass Stadium Chandler, Arizona 2021–2022 10,000
Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium Phoenix, Arizona 2023–present 10,000

Players and staff

edit

Current roster

edit
As of December 11, 2024[116][117][118]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
4 DF   SEN Pape Mar Boye
5 DF   SEN Mohamed Traore
6 MF   ITA Giulio Doratiotto
12 MF   ENG Charlie Dennis
14 DF   ARG Emil Cuello
15 DF   USA Ryan Flood
16 DF   BRA Gabriel Torres
No. Pos. Nation Player
17 MF   USA JP Scearce
29 FW   POL Dariusz Formella
38 FW   GRN Darius Johnson
71 FW   CUW Jearl Margaritha
72 DF   VEN Edgardo Rito
MF   CRC Damian Rivera
  1. ^
    USL Academy Contract

Staff

edit
Board of Directors
Principal Owner / CEO Dr. Pablo Prichard[119]
USL Governor William Kraus[120]
Alternate USL Governor Tim Riester
Board Member Berke Bakay
Board Member Brandon McCarthy
Board Member David Stearns
Board Member Alan Wen
Board Member Alex Zheng
Front Office Staff
President Bobby Dulle
Sporting Director Brandon McCarthy
Director of Box Office Operations Judy Kirk
Director of Ticket Sales Eric Barrera
Finance Manager Anna Duarte
Director of Marketing and Communications Jason Minnick
Digital Media & Broadcast Relations Manager H. Jose Bosch
Social Media Coordinator Isabella Duran
Financial Consultant Chris Casalena
Operations Manager Annie Marum
Director of Partnerships Joey Castor
Sr. Strategy & Operations Analyst Kayla Lovan
Sr. Membership Services Account Executive Josh Strugalski
Premium Sales Account Executive Zack Stauffer
Group Sales Account Executive Kemberly Montijo
Group Sales Account Executive Michael Avila
Business Development Account Executive Ethan Labeth
Partnerships Coordinator Jessica Newton
Community Relations Manager Gabriela Lawlor
Graphic Designer JP Temchack
Technical Staff
Head coach Pa-Modou Kah
Assistant coach Vikram Virk
Assistant coach Darnell King
Goalkeeping coach Cory Robertson
Sports Performance Coach Devon Manifold
Team Administrator Thomas Markey
Video analyst Chris Standring
Equipment Manager Jake Minder
Medical Staff
Head Team Physician Dr. Anikar Chabra
Team Physician Dr. Aaron Thomas
Team Physician's Assistant Don Dulle
Head Athletic Trainer Greg Spence
Massage Therapist Howard Chaite

[121][122][123]

Notable former players

edit

Team records

edit

Year-by-year

edit
As of November 3, 2024

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by Rising. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Phoenix Rising FC seasons.

Season Record Position Playoffs USOC Continental Average attendance Top goalscorer(s)
Div League Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Name Goals
2020 USLC 2 16 11 3 2 46 17 +29 35 2.19 2nd 2nd F NH DNQ 6,585   Junior Flemmings 14 ♦
2021 USLC 32 20 5 7 68 35 +33 67 2.09 1st 2nd QF NH 6,996   Santi Moar 16
2022 USLC 34 12 16 6 50 58 -8 42 1.24 10th 17th DNQ R4 7,358   Aodhan Quinn 9
2023 USLC 34 12 10 12 54 41 +13 48 1.41 6th 12th W R3 6,100   Danny Trejo 19
2024 USLC 34 11 14 9 33 39 -6 42 1.24 8th 19th R1 Ro16 6,267   Rémi Cabral 7

^ 1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league, league playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

Head coaches

edit
  • Includes USL Regular Season, USL Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup. Excludes friendlies.
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 May 21, 2017 7 3 4 0 042.86
Patrice Carteron   France May 22, 2017 June 12, 2018 39 20 8 11 051.28
Rick Schantz (interim)   United States June 12, 2018 November 13, 2018 24 15 7 2 062.50
Rick Schantz[100][124]   United States November 14, 2018 August 17, 2022 110 65 25 20 059.09
Blair Gavin (interim)[125]   United States October 3, 2020 October 21, 2020 3 3 0 0 100.00
Danny Stone (interim)   England September 10, 2022 September 10, 2022 1 0 1 0 000.00
Juan Guerra[126][127]   Venezuela August 22, 2022 January 8, 2024 50 20 16 14 040.00
Danny Stone[128][129]   England January 18, 2024 June 29, 2024 19 6 7 6 031.58
Diego Gómez (interim)[130]   Spain June 29, 2024 November 7, 2024 18 6 9 3 033.33
Pa-Modou Kah[131]   Norway November 18, 2024 Present 0 0 0 0 !

Average attendance

edit
Year Reg. season Playoffs
2014 2,395
2015 3,304
2016 1,470
2017 6,127
2018 6,380 7,609
2019 6,752 7,095
2020 N/A N/A
2021 6,996 8,234
2022 7,358
2023 6,100
2024 6,267

Honors

edit

Player honors

edit
Year Player Country Position Honor
2014 Long Tan   China Forward All-League Second Team
2015 Long Tan   China Forward All-League First Team
2018 Solomon Asante   Ghana Forward All-League First Team
2019[132] Solomon Asante   Ghana Forward Most Valuable Player[133]
All-League First Team
Adam Jahn   United States Forward All-League First Team
A.J. Cochran   United States Defender All-League Second Team
Zac Lubin   United States Goalkeeper All-League Second Team
2020[134] Solomon Asante   Ghana Forward Most Valuable Player[135]
All-League First Team
Rufat Dadashov   Azerbaijan Forward All-League Second Team
2021[136] Santi Moar   Spain Forward All-League First Team
Aodhan Quinn   United States Midfielder All-League First Team
James Musa   New Zealand Defender All-League Second Team
2023[137] Danny Trejo   Mexico Forward All-League First Team
2024[138] Pape Mar Boye   Senegal Defender All-League Second Team

Records

edit

Most consecutive wins by a North American professional soccer club: (20 games / May 10, 2019 – September 14, 2019)

USL Championship:
Most Points – 78 (2019)
Most Wins – 24 (2019)
Most Goals – 89 (2019)
Goals Per Game – 2.62 (2019)
Assists (season) – Solomon Asante 17 (2019)
Saves (season) – Carl Woszczynski 130 (2015)

Broadcasting

edit

KASW-61, The CW affiliate in Phoenix, signed a deal to broadcast Phoenix Rising games including every USL Championship match home and away, starting in 2019.[139][140] Josh Eastern did play-by-play and Devon Kerr provided analysis. The Rising Halftime Show was produced by KASW's sister station KNXV-15 and was hosted by Craig Fouhy. This arrangement lasted until 2021.

Games are also streamed live on ESPN+.

Arizona Sports 98.7 FM is the radio / digital station for Rising FC broadcasts.[141][142] LA Mejor 106.5 FM & 1400 AM is the Spanish broadcaster for Rising FC matches.[143]

On March 3, 2022, Rising FC signed an agreement with Bally Sports Arizona to broadcast 32 of 34 regular-season games for the 2022 season. There will be in-depth coverage of the team on Bally's social media platforms.[144][145]

On January 25, 2023, Rising FC signed a three-year deal for television rights with Gray Television via Arizona's Family Sports.[146][147][148]

Before 2019, games were broadcast on YouTube.

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Championship game canceled due to COVID-19

References

edit
  1. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC stadium to be moved to east side of Phoenix". Soccer Stadium Digest. November 16, 2022.
  2. ^ Murray, Nicholas (February 17, 2021). "New Stadium Brings New Opportunity for Phoenix Rising". uslchampionship.com.
  3. ^ "PRFC Ownership". Phoenix Rising FC. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  4. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC are USL Champions". Jason Minnick. Phoenix Rising Football Club. November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  5. ^ "Phoenix FC to rebrand, reveals new owners, club name and crest". Odeen Domingo. ODFCnews.com. March 13, 2014. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  6. ^ "Ownership Change, Rebrand in Phoenix". United Soccer Leagues (USL). March 13, 2014. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  7. ^ "USL PRO announces Arizona United SC". Garrett Cleverly. AZKicksIt.com. March 13, 2014. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  8. ^ "Arizona United SC ready for 'fresh start' in new season". Jeff Wendt. Arizona Republic. April 8, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  9. ^ a b "Arizona United owner pleased with club's first year, excited for future; Season in review". Danny Shapiro. ODFCnews.com. September 10, 2014. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  10. ^ "Arizona United SC looks ahead to the 2015 season". Jeff Wendt. Arizona Republic. September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  11. ^ "Arizona United SC announces head coach; owner explains hire". Odeen Domingo. ODFCnews.com. March 28, 2014. Archived from the original on March 29, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ "Arizona United Soccer Club loses season opener to Oklahoma City". Mauricio Casillas. ODFCnews.com. April 12, 2014. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  14. ^ "Energy Take Victory Against United". United Soccer Leagues (USL). April 12, 2014. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  15. ^ "United Claims First Victory". United Soccer Leagues (USL). April 19, 2014. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  16. ^ "Arizona United scores late winner to top Sacramento Republic FC on historic night". Danny Shapiro. ODFCnews.com. April 19, 2014. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2014.
  17. ^ "AZ United SC breaks through with first victory in franchise history". Brad Cesmat. Sports360AZ.com. April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2014.
  18. ^ "FC Dallas loans Jonathan Top to USL PRO side Arizona United". FC Dallas. April 8, 2014. Archived from the original on April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ "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. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  21. ^ "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.
  22. ^ "Arizona Rallies Past Timbers U-23s". United Soccer Leagues (USL). May 13, 2014. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  23. ^ "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.
  24. ^ "Arizona United Soccer Club makes history with U.S. Open Cup win". Arizona United SC. May 28, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  25. ^ "United Advances Past Energy". United Soccer Leagues (USL). May 28, 2014. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  26. ^ "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.
  27. ^ "Arizona United SC's U.S. Open Cup run ends following loss to LA Galaxy". Arizona United SC. June 18, 2014. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  28. ^ "Galaxy Comes Back vs. Arizona". United Soccer Leagues (USL). June 18, 2014. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  29. ^ "Arizona United Soccer Club Moving To Scottsdale Stadium". Arizona United SC. December 16, 2014. Archived from the original on December 25, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  30. ^ "FC Dallas is locking up Arizona United as their USL PRO affiliate". Big D Soccer. November 24, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  31. ^ "Arizona United Soccer Club Affiliates With Major League Soccer's FC Dallas". Arizona United SC. February 9, 2015. Archived from the original on February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  32. ^ "FC Dallas announces USL PRO affiliation with Arizona United SC". FC Dallas. February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  33. ^ "Long Tan Named to USL All-League First Team". Arizona United SC. October 26, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
  34. ^ "Arizona United SC Declines to Extend Head Coach Michael Dellorusso's Contract". Arizona United SC. September 25, 2015. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
  35. ^ "Arizona United SC Names Brett M. Johnson President and Co-Chairman". Arizona United SC. December 9, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  36. ^ "United Names Brett M. Johnson President, Co-Chairman". United Soccer Leagues (USL). December 9, 2015. Archived from the original on December 11, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  37. ^ "Two-Time MLS Cup Winner Yallop to Lead United SC". United Soccer League (USL). December 23, 2015. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  38. ^ "Frank Yallop Joins United as Head Coach and President of Soccer Ops". Arizona United SC. December 23, 2015. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  39. ^ "Yallop to steer the good ship Arizona United". Ted Prezelski. Tucson Sentinel. December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  40. ^ "Diplo leads group in minority purchase of Arizona United". Andrew Joseph. Arizona Republic. January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  41. ^ "Music Producer and DJ Diplo leads group investing in Arizona United Soccer Club". Arizona United SC. January 27, 2016. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  42. ^ "AZ United returns to Peoria Sports Complex". Darrell Jackson. Glendale Star. February 4, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  43. ^ "Fall Out Boy Bassist Pete Wentz Invests In Arizona United Soccer Club". Arizona United SC. April 11, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  44. ^ "Leading Phoenix-Based Businessmen Acquire Arizona United Soccer Club". Arizona United SC. August 31, 2016. Archived from the original on September 3, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  45. ^ "Arizona United owner Eng sells majority share of team". Jeff Wendt. Firebird Rising Blog. August 31, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  46. ^ "Arizona United SC Unveils New Name and Exciting Improvements In Anticipation of 2017 Season". Phoenix Rising FC. November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  47. ^ "Arizona United SC Unveils Phoenix Rising FC Rebrand". United Soccer League. November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  48. ^ "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.
  49. ^ "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.
  50. ^ "TFC II Earns Win on Rising FC's Record Night". Nicholas Murray. United Soccer League (USL). March 26, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  51. ^ a b "Rising FC Players Thrilled by Stadium, Fans". Nicholas Murray. United Soccer League (USL). March 26, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  52. ^ "Rooney Rises to Occasion for Phoenix". Nicholas Murray. United Soccer League (USL). April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  53. ^ "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.
  54. ^ "USL's Phoenix Rising sign Mexico legend Omar Bravo". ESPNFC.US. February 9, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  55. ^ "Chivas All-Time Leading Scorer Omar Bravo Signs With Phoenix Rising FC". United Soccer League (USL). February 9, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  56. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC sign former Red Bulls MF Shaun Wright-Phillips". Jeff Wendt. Firebird Rising Blog. February 24, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  57. ^ "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.
  58. ^ "Former England International Wright-Phillips joins Rising FC". United Soccer League (USL). February 24, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  59. ^ "Didier Drogba, eyeing MLS expansion, joins Phoenix Rising FC". Arizona Republic. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  60. ^ "Chelsea and Ivory Coast Legend Didier Drogba Joins Phoenix Rising Football Club". Phoenix Rising FC. April 12, 2017. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  61. ^ "Drogba signs with USL's Phoenix Rising FC". United Soccer League (USL). April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  62. ^ "Didier Drogba: Ex-Chelsea striker joins Phoenix Rising as player and co-owner". BBC Sport. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  63. ^ "Rising FC Clings on to Oust Rangers". Charlie Corr. United Soccer League (USL). April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  64. ^ "Rising FC Begins Coaching Search". United Soccer League (USL). April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  65. ^ "Frank Yallop resigns as Phoenix Rising FC head coach". Arizona Republic. April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  66. ^ "Celebrated International Soccer Coach Patrice Carteron Joins Phoenix Rising FC As New Head Coach". Phoenix Risng FC. May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  67. ^ "Rising FC Names Carteron as Head Coach". United Soccer League (USL). May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  68. ^ "Recap: Phoenix Rising FC Eliminated From Playoffs Following Penalties". Phoenix Rising Football Club. October 22, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  69. ^ "'It's going to elevate everything:' FC Tucson sold to Phoenix Rising FC". Arizona Daily Star. October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  70. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC Acquires FC Tucson". Phoenix Rising FC. October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  71. ^ "FC Tucson Acquired by Phoenix Rising FC". FC Tucson. October 11, 2017. Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  72. ^ "International Soccer Investment Group, Advantage Sports Union Ltd., Acquires Significant Interest In Phoenix Rising FC". Phoenix Rising Football Club. February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  73. ^ "Rising FC Adds Significant Piece to Ownership". Brad Cesmat. Sports360AZ. February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  74. ^ "Phoenix MLS Expansion Bid Adds Wealthy OGC Nice Owner Zheng to Investor Group". Avi Creditor. Sports Illustrated. February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  75. ^ "Rising reach partnership agreement with world soccer giant Galatasaray". Jake Anderson. ArizonaSports.com. April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  76. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC announces partnership with One Of The World's Largest Soccer Clubs – Galatasaray SK". Phoenix Rising Football Club. April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  77. ^ "Galatasaray ile Phoenix Rising İşbirligine İmza Attı". Galatasaray Spor Kulübü. April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  78. ^ Howley, Christopher (September 21, 2019). "Phoenix Rising FC's historic winning streak comes to an end in 2–1 loss to Fresno FC". Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
  79. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC seeks to continue winning streaks" (Press release). Phoenix Rising FC. July 18, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
  80. ^ Weinfuss, Josh (August 20, 2019). "Among the Chugs: How Phoenix Rising's Dollar Beer Night became a 13–0–0 phenomenon". ESPN. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
  81. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC end regular season tops in United Soccer League". Arizona Republic. September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
  82. ^ Anderson, Jake (September 28, 2019). "Phoenix Rising clinches USL regular-season title with late comeback draw". ArizonaSports.com. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
  83. ^ "Phoenix Rising Clinch 2019 USL Regular Season Title". Phoenix Rising Football Club. September 29, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
  84. ^ Krysinsky, John (June 24, 2020). "USL reveals group-play, 16-game schedule when 2020 season resumes". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  85. ^ Reichard, Kevin (October 21, 2020). "Phoenix Rising won't host USL Championship title game". Soccer Stadium Digest. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  86. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (October 31, 2020). "USL Championship Final Cancelled, Season Concludes with Tampa Bay, Phoenix as Conference Title-Winners". USL Championship. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  87. ^ "Rising's Asante wins back-to-back MVPs for 1st time in USLC history". Arizona Sports. November 6, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  88. ^ a b Estrada, Lorenzino (September 30, 2020). "San Diego players walk off field in protest against Phoenix Rising FC, claim homophobic slur used". Arizona Republic. azcentral. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  89. ^ a b Zeigler, Mark (September 30, 2020). "San Diego Loyal walks off field after alleged homophobic slur". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  90. ^ Mendola, Nicholas (October 6, 2020). "USL Championship suspends Flemmings for homophobic slur". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  91. ^ "Team's forfeit over alleged homophobic slur shows there's "something bigger at stake," coach Landon Donovan says". CBS News. October 2, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  92. ^ Cluff, Jeremy (October 1, 2020). "Former FC Tucson coach Rick Schantz: I was 'in no way excusing' alleged homophobic slur". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  93. ^ Zeigler, Mark (September 25, 2020). "San Diego Loyal forfeit soccer game to protest racial incident". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  94. ^ Reimer, Alex (October 2, 2020). "Conspiracies attached to Collin Martin story are ridiculous". Outsports. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  95. ^ Zeigler, Cyd (April 20, 2012). "Brandon McCarthy, Oakland A's pitcher, against gay Kiss Cam 'jokes'". Outsports. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  96. ^ Evans, Owain (June 7, 2019). "Phoenix Rising fans, players back LGBTQ charities for Pride Month". KMVP-FM. Cronkite News. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  97. ^ "Phoenix Rising coach responds after player accused of using homophobic slur". KNXV-TV. October 1, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  98. ^ "USL Championship Suspends Junior Flemmings for Use of Foul and Abusive Language". USL Championship. October 6, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  99. ^ "Rising Statement on Findings of USL Investigation". Phoenix Rising FC. October 6, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  100. ^ a b Anderson, Jake (October 21, 2020). "Rising FC reinstates manager Rick Schantz from administrative leave". arizonasports.com.
  101. ^ "FC Tucson Announces Transfer of Ownership From Phoenix Rising FC". FC Tucson Communications. February 18, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  102. ^ Perez, Edwin (April 30, 2021). "Rising open season with dominating win over San Diego in front of 5,000". Arizona Republic. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  103. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC Announces European Leader, Macron, as Official Apparel Sponsor". Phxrisingfc.com. Phoenix Rising Communications. February 1, 2018. Archived from the original on February 15, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  104. ^ "Phoenix Rising Announces Carvana as Official Front of Jersey Sponsor". Phxrisingfc.com. Phoenix Rising Communications. March 9, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  105. ^ "Rising and Carvana Announce New Multi-Year Jersey Sponsorship". Phxrisingfc.com. Phoenix Rising Communications. December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  106. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC Signs Six-Year Apparel Agreement With Adidas". Phxrisingfc.com. Phoenix Rising Communications. March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  107. ^ "Carvana and Phoenix Rising FC Ink Multi-Year Commitment, Extending Their Winning Streak for a Seventh Season and Beyond". Phxrisingfc.com. Phoenix Rising Communications. December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  108. ^ "Northern Arizona University Becomes the Official Education Partner of Phoenix Rising FC". Phxrisingfc.com. Phoenix Rising Communications. March 7, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  109. ^ "Bandidos". Facebook.com. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  110. ^ "Valley Fever Supporters Group". Facebook.com. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  111. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC Partners With Casino Arizona For Stadium Naming Rights". Phoenix Rising Football Club. March 15, 2019. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  112. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC moves stadium and professional training center to Wild Horse Pass". Phoenix Rising Communications. Phoenix Rising. December 10, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  113. ^ Minnick, Jason (November 16, 2022). "Phoenix City Council Unanimously Approves Lease for Phoenix Rising FC to Relocate its Stadium to 38th Street and Washington". PHXRisingFC.com Staff. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  114. ^ "Phoenix City Council Unanimously Approves Lease for Phoenix Rising FC to Relocate its Stadium to 38th Street and Washington". soccerstadiumdigest.com/. Soccer Stadium Digest. November 16, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  115. ^ Mackie, Theo (November 16, 2022). "Phoenix City Council approves lease deal for Phoenix Rising soccer stadium near airport". Arizona Republic. Phoenix: Gannett. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  116. ^ "Roster – Phoenix Rising FC". Phoenix Rising FC. United Soccer League. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  117. ^ Duran, Isabella (March 10, 2023). "Phoenix Rising FC Signs Four Players to USL Academy Contracts". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  118. ^ Minnick, Jason (April 12, 2023). "Phoenix Rising FC Signs Five Youth Academy Players to USL Academy Contracts". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  119. ^ "Vincere Capital Completes Multimillion-Dollar Investment in Phoenix Rising FC". Phoenix Rising Communications. November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  120. ^ "Scottsdale Resident and Career Banker, William Kraus, Joins Phoenix Rising FC Board of Directors as Governor". Phoenix Rising Communications. July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  121. ^ "Board of Directors & Front Office Staff". Phxrisingfc.com. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  122. ^ Butler, Tyler (December 9, 2024). "Phoenix Rising FC Announces Coaching and Technical Staff for 2025 Season". Phxrisingfc.com. Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  123. ^ "Medical Staff". Phxrisingfc.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  124. ^ Minnick, Jason (August 17, 2022). "Phoenix Rising FC and Head Coach Rick Schantz Mutually Agree to Part Ways". Phoenix Rising FC. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  125. ^ Anderson, Jake (October 3, 2020). "Rising FC names Blair Gavin interim manager; Flemmings out vs. LA". arizonasports.com.
  126. ^ Minnick, Jason (August 22, 2022). "Rising Names Juan Guerra Head Coach After Reaching Agreement with Oakland Roots SC". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  127. ^ Minnick, Jason (January 8, 2024). "Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Departs for Major League Soccer". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  128. ^ Minnick, Jason (January 18, 2024). "Danny Stone Named Head Coach of Phoenix Rising FC". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  129. ^ Hill, Tyson (June 29, 2024). "Phoenix Rising Parts Ways With Head Coach Danny Stone". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  130. ^ Hill, Tyson (November 7, 2024). "Phoenix Rising Parts Ways with Interim Head Coach Diego Gomez". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  131. ^ Hill, T. "Phoenix Rising Names Pa-Modou Kah Head Coach". PHX. Phoenix Rising. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  132. ^ "USL Championship Announces 2019 All-League Teams". USLChampionship.com Staff. November 12, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  133. ^ "Phoenix's Asante Named 2019 Championship Most Valuable Player". USLChampionship.com Staff. November 21, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  134. ^ "USL Championship Reveals 2020 All-League Teams". USLChampionship.com Staff. October 28, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  135. ^ "Phoenix's Solomon Asante Voted 2020 Championship Most Valuable Player". USLChampionship.com Staff. November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  136. ^ "USL Championship Announces 2021 All-League Teams". USLChampionship.com Staff. November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  137. ^ "USL Championship Announces 2023 All-League Teams". USLChampionship.com Staff. November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  138. ^ Butler, Tyler (November 13, 2024). "Phoenix Rising FC's Pape Mar Boye Earns 2024 All-League Honors and Young Player of the Year Nomination". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  139. ^ "Your PHX CW Becomes Premiere Broadcast Partner with Phoenix Rising FC". Tahj Watkins. YourPHX.com. January 29, 2019. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  140. ^ "Phoenix Rising Announces Television Partnership With Your Phoenix CW". Phoenix Rising Football Club. January 29, 2019. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  141. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC and Arizona Sports announce partnership for 2019". Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  142. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC announces Media Partnership With Arizona Sports". Phoenix Rising Football Club. March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  143. ^ "Phoenix Rising FC 2021 Broadcast Schedule". Phoenix Rising Communications. November 11, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  144. ^ Minnick, Jason (March 3, 2022). "Phoenix Rising FC Matches to Air Locally on Bally Sports Arizona in 2022". Phoenix Rising Communications. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  145. ^ "Bally Sports Arizona Announces New Partnership with Phoenix Rising". Bally Sports Arizona. March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  146. ^ Scott, Austin (January 26, 2023). "Phoenix Rising FC signs broadcasting deal with Arizona's Family". arizonasports.com. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  147. ^ "Arizona's Family announces broadcast partnership with Phoenix Rising, launch of new network". KTVK. January 25, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  148. ^ "Phoenix Suns moving forward with Gray Television, away from Diamond Sports Group". The Arizona Republic. January 25, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
edit
Preceded by USL Championship Winner
2023
Succeeded by