Phoenix Rising FC has re-signed forward Dariusz Formella, the club announced today.
A midseason transfer, Formella was acquired in a trade with Oakland Roots FC on July 25. The 28-year-old forward ended the season with 12 goals in 36 appearances, including two in Rising’s epic playoff win against San Diego on October 22. Formella also created 22 chances and put 59% of his shots on target.
Formella started all four playoff matches during Phoenix’s playoff run, showcasing an ability to score late goals. His first goal for Phoenix came in just his third appearance for the club in the 85th minute of a 5-0 win vs. El Paso on August 12. Formella went on to score four more goals in the 89th minute or later during Phoenix’s run to claim the 2023 cup.
Fittingly, Formella delivered the closing speech at Rising’s trophy celebration at CityScape in downtown Phoenix on November 16, touching upon the team’s late heroics and the city’s belief in its soccer team.
“You followed us through playoffs,” Formella said to the crowd. “Every game had late drama. We went to San Diego and scored in the last minute of extra time. We went to OC and scored three minutes before the finish of extra time. We went to Sacramento and scored in the 92nd minute. In Charleston, we were down 1-0. [Stenberg] scored a goal in the 90th minute.
Every year, somebody will win this league, but no one did it the way we did. Four games in a row, last minute goals… We were down 0-2 in penalties in the final and we still won. So, if you have some problems in your life… If you are struggling with something… If you have some things that are not going the way you want them to go… just stay relaxed. Don’t panic – believe. Believe until the last second because you are special. This club is special. We are Phoenix!”
Transaction: Rising re-signs forward Dariusz Formella
Name: Dariusz Formella
Pronunciation: Dar-Ush
Nickname: “Darek”
Position: Forward
DOB: October 21, 1995 (28)
Born: Gdynia, Poland
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170 lbs
ROSTERED PLAYERS (11):
Defenders (2): Eddie Munjoma, John Stenberg
Midfielders (6): Panos Armenakas, Carlos Harvey, Jose Hernandez, Gabi Torres, Fede Varela, Renzo Zambrano
Forwards (3): Manu Arteaga, Dariusz Formella, Erickson Gallardo
