Presented by Northern Arizona University
Phoenix Rising FC has signed Erickson Gallardo, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.
“Erickson will bring a lot of speed and verticality,” said Rising head coach Juan Guerra. “He is a player that has won important titles. He is coming to Phoenix with a lot of hunger and ambition. I have no doubt our fans will enjoy watching him play.”
Gallardo made his professional debut for Zamora of the Venezuelan first division as a 17-year-old in 2013. He spent seven years with his hometown club, making 117 appearances and scoring 11 goals before signing with MLS side, Toronto FC, in 2019. Gallardo made 11 appearances for Toronto FC between 2019 and 2021. His tenure in Canada coincided with the club’s run to the final of the 2018 Concacaf Champions League and 2019 Eastern Conference Championship.
“I’m really happy and excited to come to Phoenix,” said Gallardo. “I have seen footage of the team. I researched Arizona and it looks beautiful. I see the fans support the team a lot. I want to share my appreciation. I hope to be there soon and will give my best to make the fans happy.”
Gallardo, 26, returned to Zamora in 2022, scoring 10 goals in 31 appearances. He has been capped three times since debuting for Venezuela in 2019. His most recent callups came less than two months ago. Gallardo came on in the 64th minute of a 1-0 loss to Iceland on September 22 and subbed into the match in the 78th minute of a 4-0 win vs. United Arab Emirates on September 27.
Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC Signs Erickson Gallardo
Name: Erickson Gallardo
Pos: Forward
DOB: July 26, 1996 (26)
Birthplace: Barinas, Venezuela
Previous Club: Zamora
Height: 5-6
Weight: 150
Instagram: @EricksonGallardo96
