News

Avayevu notched his 15th regular-season goal contribution in Rising’s 4-1 win over Colorado Springs on August 23

Phoenix Rising midfielder Hope Avayevu was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week 25 bench, USL announced today. Avayevu netted his 15th goal contribution (6G, 8A) of the 2025 regular season in Rising’s 4-1 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on August 23 at Phoenix Rising Stadium, scoring with a right-footed volley midway through the first half.

“I haven’t played this amount of minutes in a long time,” Avayevu said following Rising’s match against Birmingham Legion on August 2. “After every game I try to take care of my body and focus on the next game. I want to continue helping the team win.”

With his goal on August 23, Avayevu cemented his status as the club leader in both goals and assists in regular-season play. One of Rising’s key contributors, Tuesday’s Team of the Week selection marks Avayevu’s sixth of the season.

Avayevu and Rising return to action this weekend when it hosts El Paso Locomotive FC at 7:30 p.m. (PT) on August 30 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

Matchday 21: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:30pm (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
TV: Arizona’s Family 3 TV | Streaming: ESPN+ | Rising Radio | 1060 AM, 99.5 FM

**Stay Hydrated: Two sealed clear 20oz water bottles are allowed – per person**
Hydroflasks are allowed

PREVIEW
After a long summer on the road, Rising is back in the desert for a highly anticipated homecoming against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at 7:30 p.m. (PT) August 23 at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Separated by just one point in the Western Conference, Rising will look to build some separation in the table with a key home match on Saturday.

“In these last two games that I have played, and in training, I have seen the quality in the guys,” defender Daniel Flores said. “I really do believe playing at home this weekend is going to help us a lot to get back on a winning streak.”

PHOENIX RISING FC APP
Before you do anything, be sure to download the PRFC app. Not only is this your ticket into the game, it also has everything you’ll need on gameday, including stadium rules, maps, news, stats and more. Click the link below to get started.

LIGHT RAIL
Rising fans can catch Valley Metro Rail, with their fare covered at any of the 41 stations across the Valley, leaving any worries about traffic and parking behind. Match tickets will double as valid light rail fare on the day of the event four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.

TRANSPORTATION
We’ve got great guides on transit options, the quickest routes and the best parking at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Take the time to review your route and plan to leave early to take the stress out of your gameday commute.

FOOD & BEVERAGE SPECIALS
KIDS MEAL: Chicken Tenders & Fries – $6.99. Located at NE Grab n Go / West Black Container Bar /  SE Aioli Truck.

KIDS FREE LEMONADE WITH $10 PURCHASE: Available at all container bar locations, SE Aioli Burger truck, NW Cheesestake Truck, and at NE Grab & Go

KIDS CANDY MOCKTAIL: 12oz Candy themed lemonade – $2.99. Located at the North AZ Lemonade Stand

FOOD TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: AZ Lemonade Stand, Maddie’s B’s Chicago Popcorn, Ohso Donuts, Bahama Bucks, Cheesesteaks & Cheesecakes, Mama Lola’s, Aioli Gourmet Burgers, Wood Fired Pizza, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, and Grab N Go.

STADIUM MAP

Rizzo became the youngest goal scorer in club history with his strike in the 73rd minute

Phoenix Rising defender Pierce Rizzo was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week 24, USL announced today. With his go-ahead goal in the 73rd minute, the 18-year-old Phoenix Rising Academy product became the youngest goal scorer in club history as Rising went on to draw Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-1 on August 16 at Al Lang Stadium.

The match in St. Petersburg, Florida, marked a fourth straight start for Rizzo, who made his professional debut back in March when Rising took on Monterey Bay FC in Northern California. Now, with 325 minutes and a goal under his belt, Rizzo has played himself into the starting lineup of Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah’s squad.

“Everything has come fast in the last month,” Rizzo said. “I knew I was going to take (the opportunity) and run with it. I know this is just the start, but I’m happy I finally got that first goal.”

The moment came late in the first half, with Rizzo receiving the ball on the right side and dribbling agressively toward the center of the box before using his left foot to pick out the near post and put Rising up 1-0.

“I kind of took a bad touch, but I had an opening,” Rizzo said. “I knew if I took an extra step to my left, the defender was going to fall and I would have an opening inside. Then I just did a little (Kylian) Mbappe, cut it in with my left and found the far post.”

A natural midfielder, Rizzo has played defense in his appearances with Rising’s First Team. Last weekend, he started and went 90 minutes at right back. In addition to the goal, Rizzo won six of his seven duels, drew a team-high four fouls and finished with an interception. Notably, he became the 15th Rising player to score a goal in league play this season, and the 11th to be recognized on the USL Championship Team of the Week.

“We play a young kid in an unnatural position and he’s showing what this club is about,” Kah said. “It’s about giving opportunities and (Rizzo) took his. I’m very proud of him to be the youngest Rising player to score in a game and that is amazing.”

Avayevu finished with three goal contributions (1G, 2A) in Rising’s 3-3 draw against Birmingham Legion FC on August 2

Phoenix Rising midfielder Hope Avayevu was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week 22, USL announced today. With a goal and two assists, Avayevu played a role in each of Rising’s three goals in its 3-3 draw against Birmingham Legion FC on August 2 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

Saturday marked Avayevu’s third multi-goal-contribution match of 2025. Notably, the performance secured the midfielder his fifth Team of the Week appearance in 2025. With six goals and nine assists in all competitions, Avayevu leads all Rising players in goal contributions (15).

The midfielder played a crucial role in a bit of combination play down the left wing that sprung defender Emil Cuello for Rising’s opening goal. 10 minutes later, it was Avayevu’s right-footed curler from outside the box that doubled the club’s lead. In the 90th minute, the Ghanaian chipped in one last assist, providing the crossfield switch that midfielder Charlie Dennis turned into the game-tying goal.

“I think we all came out looking to perform well, to help the team win,” Avayevu said following the match. “I felt like I could do more, though. I got a goal and two assists, but I feel like that wasn’t enough at the end when we don’t get a win out of it.”

Avayevu and Rising next take the field on the road against Lexington SC at 3:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday, August 9, at Lexington SC Stadium in the Bluegrass State.

Matchday 18: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC
Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:30pm (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
TV: Arizona’s Family | Streaming: CBS Sports Golazo | Rising Radio | 1060 AM, 99.5 FM

**Stay Hydrated: Two sealed clear 20oz water bottles are allowed – per person**
Hydroflasks are allowed

PREVIEW
After wrapping up its final three-match road trip of the season, Phoenix Rising returns home for the first time in nearly a month when it hosts Birmingham Legion FC at 7:30 p.m. (PT) Saturday, August 2, at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Coming off just its third road defeat of 2025, Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah’s side will look to get back on track against Eastern Conference Opposition.

After finishing its most recent road trip with a win (@OAK), draw (@ELP) and defeat (@OC), Rising look forward to playing in front of its home fans once again.

Of its remaining 13 matches, eight will come at home while the club plays consecutive matches on the road just once more (Aug. 9- Aug. 16). Even more important, Rising will have great opportunities to build momentum with two three-match homestands to close the season (Aug. 23-Sept. 5, Sept. 20-Oct. 4).

PHOENIX RISING FC APP
Before you do anything, be sure to download the PRFC app. Not only is this your ticket into the game, it also has everything you’ll need on gameday, including stadium rules, maps, news, stats and more. Click the link below to get started.

LIGHT RAIL
Rising fans can catch Valley Metro Rail, with their fare covered at any of the 41 stations across the Valley, leaving any worries about traffic and parking behind. Match tickets will double as valid light rail fare on the day of the event four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.

TRANSPORTATION
We’ve got great guides on transit options, the quickest routes and the best parking at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Take the time to review your route and plan to leave early to take the stress out of your gameday commute.

4-3-3 MENU
Enjoy our 4-3-3 Matchday Special at the Container Bars: grab a $4 hot dog, $3 Modelo, and $3 Rising LEmoade while you cheer on the team.

FOOD TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: AZ Lemonade Stand, Maddie’s B’s Chicago Popcorn, Ohso Donuts, Bahama Bucks, Cheesesteaks & Cheesecakes, Mama Lola’s, Aioli Gourmet Burgers, Wood Fired Pizza, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, and Grab N Go.

STADIUM MAP

Matchday 15: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Lexington SC
Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:30pm (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
TV: 3TV | Streaming: ESPN+ | Rising Radio | 1060 AM, 99.5 FM

**Stay Hydrated: Two sealed clear 20oz water bottles are allowed – per person**

PREVIEW
Phoenix Rising return home for the first time in nearly a month on Friday for a Fourth of July showdown against USL Championship newcomers Lexington SC.

Fresh off a 5-4 thriller in USL Jägermeister Cup play, Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah’s side looks to earn a result in a fourth straight home match (2W, 1D) and continue climbing the table in the Western Conference, where another three-point performance would boost the club up as high as second place should other results fall its way.

“It’s very tight in the Western Conference,” Kah said. “For us, it’s about focusing on what we can do. We have been away (from home) for a long time, so it would be nice to start this home series with a victory.”

PHOENIX RISING FC APP
Before you do anything, be sure to download the PRFC app. Not only is this your ticket into the game, it also has everything you’ll need on gameday, including stadium rules, maps, news, stats and more. Click the link below to get started.

LIGHT RAIL
Rising fans can catch Valley Metro Rail, with their fare covered at any of the 41 stations across the Valley, leaving any worries about traffic and parking behind. Match tickets will double as valid light rail fare on the day of the event four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.

TRANSPORTATION
We’ve got great guides on transit options, the quickest routes and the best parking at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Take the time to review your route and plan to leave early to take the stress out of your gameday commute.

AMERICANA COLLECTION
Our Americana Collection will be available at the Just Sports tent, including a practice jersey, summer hat, scarf, and tee.

FOOD TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: AZ Lemonade Stand, Maddie’s B’s Chicago Popcorn, Ohso Donuts, Bahama Bucks, Cheesesteaks & Cheesecakes, Mama Lola’s, Aioli Gourmet Burgers, Wood Fired Pizza, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, and Grab N Go.

STADIUM MAP

Dennis netted a hat-trick and provided an assist in Rising’s 5-4 win over Texoma FC in USL Jägermeister Cup play on June 28

Phoenix Rising midfielder Charlie Dennis was named Player of the Round for the Third Round of the USL Jägermeister Cup, USL announced today. Dennis finished with a season-high four goal contributions (3G, 1A), leading Rising to a 5-4 win over Texoma FC on June 28 at Bearcat Stadium in Sherman, Texas.

“It’s great to get on the scoresheet, especially three goals,” Dennis said. “I’m going to be working even harder now to keep that up.”

Dennis became the first Rising player to net a hat-trick since Junior Flemmings accomplished the feat against New Mexico United in August 2020. Additionally, Dennis is just the second player to score a hat-trick in USL Jägermeister Cup history.

The Englishman netted his first and third goal from the penalty spot, with his second coming off a back-post header. Dennis’ assist came in the run of play, as he made a run down the right channel before sending a lofted cross toward the back post that forward Darius Johnson nodded home.

After missing nearly two months of action early in the season due to an injury suffered in Matchday 1, Dennis has made up for lost time since returning to play. He scored in Rising’s penalty-kick shootout against New Mexico United on May 31 in his first match back, netted his first goal in regulation a week later and now has a hat-trick under his belt. Now, he’s the first Rising player to receiver Player of the Week/Matchday honors in 2025.

“There’s a lot of preparation that goes into (making a return),” Dennis said after he scored his first regular season goal in Rising’s match against Orange County SC on June 7. “I had been injured for 12 weeks, so I just stayed present in the moment and did what I needed to get back healthy. When the time came, it was just about taking my moment.”

Dennis and Rising return to action against Lexington SC at 7:30 p.m. (PT) Friday, July 4, at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

Rakovsky made a season-high seven saves, Essengue came up with seven clearances to propel Rising to sixth consecutive result

Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky and defender Ascel Essengue were named to the USL Championship Team of the Week 15, USL announced today. Rakovsky faced 29 shots and made a season-high seven saves, while Essengue made three tackles and seven clearances in Rising’s 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa on June 14 at ONEOK Field.

Tuesday marks a second straight nomination to the Team of the Week for Rakovsky, who was named to the bench for Weeks 13/14. The shot-stopper has conceded just three times in Rising’s last five matches in league play. Notably, he has made four penalty stops dating back to May 28.

“Patrick (Rakovsky) kept us in the game, he kept us safe,” Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah said following the match.

Essengue received his first Team of the Week nomination, being selected to the bench following another solid outing in Tulsa. The defender, who joined the club on loan from LA Galaxy in May, has started and played every possible minute in his first six matches with the club. A key cog in Rising’s possession-oriented style under Kah, Essengue led the team with 73 touches and 44 accurate passes on June 14. The key performance came a week after the defender netted his first goal for the club in a 3-1 win over Orange County on June 7.

“(Essengue) has been a top professional, a very good player and young player that is still growing,” Kah said in a recent media availability. “He has a great future ahead, the sky’s the limit for a player like him.”

Rakovsky and Essengue once again figure to feature in the club’s spine when it travels to the East Coast for a crucial showdown against Charleston Battery at 4:30 p.m. (PT) Saturday, June 21, at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium.

Formella contributed to all three goals in Rising’s win over Orange County, Rakovsky saved three points in Vegas, and Kah led Rising to a pair of crucial victories

Phoenix Rising forward Dariusz Formella, goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky and Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah were named to the USL Championship Team of the Week 13/14, USL announced today. Formella scored and picked up two assists, contributing to all three goals in Rising’s 3-1 victory over Orange County SC on June 7, while Rakovsky was named to the squad’s bench after saving a late penalty to preserve all three points in Rising’s 1-0 win over Las Vegas Lights FC on May 28. Presiding over it all was Kah, who led the squad to its first four match winning streak since the 2022 season.

Formella opened the scoring for Rising against Orange County, scoring off a precise, powerful one-touch finish after receiving the ball at his feet in the middle of the box. After the visitors leveled the match in the 58th minute, it was the Pole who assisted both the game-winning and assurance goal in a matter of five minutes.

“Massive credit to (Formella), I thought he was absolutely fantastic,” Kah said. “He played the role we asked him as a nine fantastically. Linking up, dropping back, I think that’s the position that suits him.”

The goal marked Formella’s first of the regular season and second in all competitions after he netted from the penalty spot against Houston Dynamo FC on May 7. Additionally, the assists were his first since September 6, 2024. Formella is now the fifth Rising player to reach three goal contributions and fourth to secure multiple assists.

“As an offensive player, having such a long stretch of not scoring a goal is not something you like,” Formella said. “I had a very good week of training, trying to focus on simple things, and it worked. It was a big game for me and a crucial moment, so I’m happy.”

In goal, Rakovsky has made seven saves in Rising’s last two league matches. His five saves in Vegas, including one from the penalty spot, proved crucial in taking home three points and further climbing the Western Conference table. The German has allowed just two goals in Rising’s four-match winning run.

“(Rakovsky) has been in amazing form ever since we started the season,” midfielder Noble Okello said. “He deserved it again, and we thank him for saving us once again. We appreciate what he does for this team.”

On the sidelines, Kah received his third Coach of the Week honor (Wk. 5, Wk. 10), leading Rising to the win over Orange County on June 7 as well as the 1-0 win over Las Vegas Lights FC on May 28. Through both weeks, Kah’s side finished first or second among all teams in points won (6), goals scored (4), goals conceded (1) and goal differential (+3).

The two wins are part of a four-match winning streak in USL competition, the first time the club has accomplished the feat since the 2022 season. Additionally, Rising is unbeaten in six league matches dating back to April 12, a run of success that has seen Rising rapidly ascend the table, where it sits in fifth place, but three points out of first in the West.

Kah and Formella will look to lead Rising to a fifth straight USL victory when it returns to the road to face FC Tulsa at 5:30 p.m. (PT) Saturday, June 14, at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Avayevu finished with two goal contributions (1G, 1A) in Rising’s 3-3 draw against New Mexico United on May 31

Phoenix Rising midfielder Hope Avayevu was named to the USL Jägermeister Cup Team of the Round 2, USL announced today. Avayevu finished with a goal and assist as Rising drew New Mexico United 3-3 and won an extra point in penalties (3-2) in Round 2 of the USL Jägermeister Cup on May 31 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

Avayevu’s goal in the 45+2 minute, a soaring header on the left side of the box, gave Rising a 2-1 lead over its rivals heading into halftime. In addition to his two goal contributions, Avayevu led the team with two shots on target, two big chances and won all three of his tackles.

“I saw (Avayevu) before the defender came toward me,” forward Jearl Margaritha said about his teammate’s goal. “I needed to make sure (the defender) was out of the way and then chipped the ball over. Then (Avayevu) did what he needed to do to finish the chance.”

The Ghanaian midfielder now leads the team with nine total goal contributions in all competitions (4G, 5A). Notably, he has netted multiple goal contributions in a team-high three matches this season (@ELP, 3/15; @NM, 5/10). Avayevu’s USL Team of The Round recognition marks the fourth time he has been named to a Team of the Week/Round.

“(Avayevu) is one of our main creators in the game, and I think he’s one of the best players we have as well,” Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah said earlier in May. “He connects the game well. I still think there’s more he has he can still show. I’m excited for what more there is to come.”

Avayevu and Rising return to action against Orange County SC at 7:30 p.m. (PT) on May 31 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.