2023 USL All-League selection returns to Arizona to feature for Rising
Phoenix Rising FC has signed midfielder Charlie Dennis for an undisclosed transfer fee from the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the club announced today.
“I am really excited to be joining Phoenix,” said Dennis. “I am looking forward to meeting former teammates, the coaching staff and the front office. As one door closes, another opens… I am excited for the opportunity to prove myself with Phoenix Rising.”
Pending league and federation approval, Dennis is eligible to play immediately after signing a new multi-year contract with Phoenix Rising this week. A 2023 USL Championship All-League selection, Dennis led the Rowdies with 64 chances created last season – good for third in the league’s regular season. He recorded 11 goals and three assists while winning 71.4 percent of tackles and making 150 recoveries in a career-best campaign.
A native of Brighton, England, Dennis currently ranks second in chances created for the Tampa Bay Rowdies despite playing just over 500 minutes this season. The newest member of Rising’s squad will be introduced to the media at tomorrow’s availability session at 11:15 a.m. at Phoenix Rising Stadium.
“Dennis is an experienced and proven player at the USL level,” said Phoenix Rising Interim Head Coach Diego Gomez. “He is a box-to-box midfielder that can help in buildup and also provide aggressive coverage defensively. He can score goals and create chances. I am very excited to work with him.”
Acquired by Tampa Bay ahead of the 2023 season, Dennis has 12 goals, four assists and 92 chances created in two seasons with the Rowdies. He played one year with Oakland Roots in 2022 before switching coasts. While in Oakland, Dennis scored four goals and had two assists.
Dennis began his pro career in USL League One, recording 12 goals and 17 assists in 67 regular season appearances with South Georgia Tormenta FC and FC Tucson. He played two seasons of collegiate soccer for Palm Beach Atlantic University after spending his youth career with English side Southampton FC.
Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC Signs Charlie Dennis
Name: Charlies Dennis
No. 12
Position: Midfielder
DOB: September 28. 1995 (28)
Born: Brighton, England
Former Club: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Height: 6-2
Weight: 181
About Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona history. Established in 2016, the club won the 2023 USL Championship as well as the 2023, 2020 and 2018 Western Conference Titles. Rising won USL Championship’s 2019 Regular Season Title and holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history (20 matches). It is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club chairman/CEO Pablo Prichard and an impressive collection of local business leaders and international celebrities.
Phoenix Rising FC plays in the USL Championship. For season tickets or more information call 623-594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), X (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play.
