Phoenix Rising FC is a professional soccer club based in Phoenix, Arizona. The club was founded in 2014 and competes in the United Soccer League Championship (USL), which is one of the top professional soccer leagues in North America.
History
Phoenix Rising FC was founded in 2014 by a group of local businessmen, including soccer legend Didier Drogba. The club started out as Arizona United SC, and played its home games at the Peoria Sports Complex. In 2016, the club rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC and moved to a new home at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Scottsdale, which has a capacity of 6,000 spectators.
Since its rebranding, Phoenix Rising FC has experienced great success on the field. The team has won several regular-season titles and has advanced to the USL Championship Final three times, in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Despite falling short in the final each time, the team’s performances have earned them a reputation as one of the best teams in the league.
Style of Play
Phoenix Rising FC is known for its exciting, attacking style of play. The team plays a possession-based game, and focuses on controlling the ball and creating scoring opportunities through quick passing and movement off the ball. The team is led by head coach Rick Schantz, who has been with the club since its Arizona United SC days, and has a wealth of experience coaching at the professional level.
Notable Players
Phoenix Rising FC has featured several notable players over the years, including some who have gone on to play at the highest levels of professional soccer. Here are a few of the team’s most notable players:
Didier Drogba – The legendary Ivorian striker was one of the club’s co-founders, and played for the team in 2017. Drogba had an illustrious career that included stints with Chelsea, Marseille, and Galatasaray, and won numerous individual awards and team trophies.
Solomon Asante – The Ghanaian winger is one of the best players in the USL, and has been with Phoenix Rising FC since 2018. Asante has been named USL Championship MVP twice, and has scored over 50 goals and recorded over 50 assists for the club.
Adam Jahn – The American forward has been with Phoenix Rising FC since 2020, and has been a key player for the team. Jahn has scored several important goals for the team, including a late equalizer in the 2020 USL Championship Final.
Facilities
Phoenix Rising FC plays its home games at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, which is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The complex features a state-of-the-art stadium with a capacity of 6,000 spectators, as well as training facilities and other amenities. The club has invested heavily in its facilities in recent years, and has plans to expand the stadium in the future.
Conclusion
Phoenix Rising FC is a rising star in the American soccer scene, and has established itself as one of the top teams in the USL Championship. The club’s commitment to playing exciting, attacking soccer and investing in top-class facilities has helped it build a loyal fan base and attract talented players from around the world.
