Phoenix Rising FC Signs Three-Time Canadian Premier League Champion Defender Daniel Krutzen

Phoenix Rising FC has signed Dutch defender and three-time Canadian Premier League champion, Daniel Krutzen, the club announced today.

“Daniel is an incredibly athletic defender that can beat you on the ground and in the air,” said Phoenix Rising head coach Juan Guerra. “His willingness to throw his body into challenges and his winning pedigree are great additions to our roster as we head into 2023.”

Krutzen, 26, has spent his last four seasons with Canadian Premier League side Forge FC. In those four seasons, he helped the team reach the CPL finals four times, winning three league titles in that stretch. In 2022, Krutzen was the club’s captain for its 2-0 win over Atletico Ottawa in the finals. In 2020, Krutzen led all CPL defenders in interceptions and tied for the league lead in defensive touches. Krutzen has also notched a game-winning goal in CONCACAF League play.

“I just want to tell the fans that I’m super excited to be in Phoenix and that I can’t wait to play in front of them,” Krutzen said. “Without fans our sport doesn’t mean much so it’s all about the fan experience, and our job as players is to make it exciting for them to come to the games and cheer us on.”

This will be Krutzen’s second time playing in Arizona. In 2017, the defender made seven appearances for USL League Two side FC Tucson.

Transaction: Phoenix Rising signs Defender Daniel Krutzen
Name: Daniel Krutzen
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
DOB: September 19, 1996 (26)
Birthplace: Brunssum, Netherlands
Hometown: Lanaken, Belgium