Phoenix Rising FC has signed defender Juan Carlos Azocar, the club announced today.
“I am very happy to be join the reigning champions of the USL,” said Azocar. “For me it is an honor and a pleasure to share this upcoming year with the fans, the teammates I already know and the ones I will soon meet. You’ll see a player that works hard. I will always try to give it my all for the city, the fans, the families and my teammates families. I hope to be part of a great year and repeat another championship.”
Azocar, 28, began his career as a 16-year-old for Venezuelan first division side Aragua in 2011. Between 2011 and 2019, the left-sided back played 196 matches, scoring 17 goals in the Primera División Venezolana before signing with Armenian Premier League side Urartu in 2019.
Azocar scored two goals in 11 matches for Urartu before joining USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC in 2020. He scored one goal for RGV in just 126 minutes of action during the shortened 2020 season. Azocar netted another six goals in 27 matches for the Toros the following season before joining Rising head coach Juan Guerra in Oakland for the 2022 season.
“I’m very happy to be reunited with Juan Carlos,” said Phoenix Rising Head Coach Juan Guerra. “He is a very talented player that has had a lot of success in this league already. He is also a great human being that understands what it takes to keep standards high. He’ll be an important piece for us on and off the field next year. I am excited to get started working with him again next season.”
Azocar enjoyed a breakout season under Guerra in 2022, scoring 10 goals in 35 matches. He signed with San Antonio last season, playing 565 minutes in league play.
“My most successful season was without a doubt playing in Oakland with Juan Guerra,” said Azocar. “His style of play adapts well to my abilities and showcases the things I can do on the field. Confidence is important. The confidence he provides pregame in the locker room influences a lot during the match. I am happy to be reunited with Juan Guerra again.”
Transaction: Rising signs defender Juan Carlos Azocar
Name: Juan Carlos Azocar
Pronunciation: Azz-o-car
Position: Defender
DOB: October 1, 1995 (28)
Born: Maracay, Venezuela
Height: 5-9
Weight: 160 lbs
ROSTERED PLAYERS (14):
Goalkeeper (1) Patrick Rakovsky
Defenders (3): Eddie Munjoma, John Stenberg, Juan Carlos Azocar
Midfielders (7): Panos Armenakas, Carlos Harvey, Jose Andres Hernandez, Gabi Torres, Fede Varela, Renzo Zambrano, John Scearce
Forwards (3): Manu Arteaga, Dariusz Formella, Erickson Gallardo
