News

For the third time in club history, we’re announcing a Season Ticket Member Starting XI! We want to celebrate the eleven season ticket members that show the most passion and love for the club. And we want YOU to help us select our starters! Fill out the form below to nominate a season ticket member that you feel best exemplifies the passion of a fan. We’ll announce the inaugural Season Ticket Member Starting XI on Friday, October 24th!

Matchday 29: Phoenix Rising FC vs. El Paso

Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:00pm (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
TV: Arizona’s Family Channel 44 | Streaming: ESPN+ & AZ Family Sports App | Rising Radio

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

PREVIEW
Phoenix Rising is coming off a 2-1 victory over FC Tulsa, continuing to build momentum entering the weekend unbeaten in its last five matches. Rising will look to carry that momentum into its matchup with El Paso Locomotive FC, holding a 5-2-5 all-time record against El Paso, while also continuing its strong home form. Rising ranks among the top five in USL Championship regular-season history with 103 home wins and will look to earn its 104th this weekend.

“The mindset is always a new day, new opportunity. Keep working hard and doing what we need to do to put ourselves in the best possible situation,” Kah said. “We just keep going. We haven’t achieved anything yet, but we’re getting closer and closer to our objectives, so we’ve just got to keep pushing day by day.”

NOCHE LATINA + DOLLAR BEER NIGHT

• Gate Giveaway: Loteria Cards
• Item of the Match: Noche Latina Merch Line + Sugar Skull Tees
• Car Show: Ladies First Car Club
• F&B Specials: Modern Tortilla NW Corner will be doing $3 street tacos and $3 churros. Momma Lolas will be doing $3 street tacos in the SW corner, $3 AZ Lemonade and $1 Modelo available at all concession stands.
• Live Banda – Section 109
• Halftime Dance Performance
• Egress: Whataburger vouchers
• Featured bites: Walking Taco, Rising Tatchos, Rising Elote, Sonoran Dog Corn Dog, and Red & Black popcorn

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 TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: Old School Coffee, AZ Lemonade Stand, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, Crazy Dog Kettle Corn Popcorn, Oh So Good Donuts, Bahama Bucks, Grab N Go, Mama Lola’s, Aioli Burger, Woodfire Pizza, and Grab N Go.

Eight different locations to purchase dollar beer!

FEATURED BITES:
Walking Taco, Rising Tatchos, Rising Elote, Sonoran Dog Corn Dog, and Red & Black popcorn

STADIUM MAP

Ascel Essengue Returns To Phoenix After Spending Most of 2025 with Rising

Phoenix Rising FC announced today it has signed Cameroonian defender Ascel Essengue on loan from LA Galaxy, pending league and federation approval.

The 23-year-old center back signed a first-team MLS contract with LA Galaxy prior to the start of the 2025 season following four impressive years with LA Galaxy’s second team (LA Galaxy II / Ventura County FC). Essengue initially joined Loudoun United FC on loan in March 2026 after previously spending the second half of the 2025 season on loan with Phoenix Rising FC. 

During his time in Phoenix during the 2025 USL Championship campaign, Essengue became a dominant force in the back line, making 26 appearances and netting one goal. He later joined Loudoun United FC for the 2026 campaign, where he recorded 14 appearances (10 starts, 840 minutes played) across all competitions while maintaining an 88% pass completion rate and winning 62% of his duels.

A product of the Kadji Sports Academy in Douala, Cameroon, Essengue first arrived in the United States ahead of the 2021 season. He scored five goals in 80 appearances for Ventura County FC prior to joining the Galaxy first team.

ASCEL ESSENGUE BY THE NUMBERS:

• 50 USL Championship Appearances – Played 26 matches with Phoenix Rising FC (2025) and 14 matches with Loudoun United FC (2026).
• Maintained 88% pass completion rate during his 2026 campaign with Loudoun United FC.
• 6 goals and 2 assists across his professional career at Galaxy, Rising and Loudoun.
• Played 2,365 regular-season minutes in 2024, the third-highest total of any Ventura County FC player.
• He played the third most minutes for Rising in 2025.
• Initially joined the LA Galaxy Academy at the age of 15 before returning to Cameroon to join the Kadji Sports Academy
• Made 16 appearances (4 starts) for Kadji Sports Academy (Duoala, Cameroon)
• Signed first-team contract with LA Galaxy ahead of the 2025 MLS season

Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC Signs Ascel Essengue on loan pending league and federation approval.

Name: Ascel Essengue
Pronunciation: ah-SELL eh-SEN-geh
Position: Defender
DOB: April 30, 2003 (23)
Birthplace: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Former Club: LA Galaxy (MLS)
Height: 6-1
Weight: 170
Hight: 170

Phoenix Rising FC announced today the club has loaned midfielder Jamison Ping to the MLS NEXT Pro side at Connecticut United FC for the remainder of the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval.

Jamison Ping has been an important part of the Phoenix Rising organization, representing the pathway from the club’s Youth Academy to the first team. After joining the academy in 2020 at just 12 years old, Ping continued his development and signed an academy contract with Rising in July 2024. 

“I’m happy for him and excited about this next opportunity. At this stage of a young player’s career, getting consistent minutes and meaningful experience is important for development. I’m hopeful this move will give him the opportunity to continue growing and he can help them make a run in the playoffs,” Brandon McCarthy said.

Transaction: Phoenix Rising loan midfielder Jamison Ping to Connecticut United FC for remainder of 2026 season pending league and federation approval.

Name: Jamison Ping
Position: Midfielder
DOB: March 22, 2008 (18)
Born: Winona, Minnesota
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Former Club: Phoenix Rising FC Academy
Height: 5-7
Weight: 135

Matchday 24: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks

Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:00pm (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
TV: CBS Sports Network & TUDN | Streaming: ESPN+ & AZ Family Sports App | Rising Radio

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

PREVIEW
Phoenix Rising returns home Wednesday to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the first of two matches this week before traveling to take on Sacramento Republic. The matchup marks Rising’s first nationally televised game of the season, providing another opportunity for the club to showcase itself on a national stage.

Notably, Rising has drawn significant audiences in previous nationally televised matchups, including its April 2025 meeting with San Antonio FC, which attracted a league-record 776,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Big Data (Live + SD).

“I know we are dealing with a lot of growing pains, but again, we’re gonna peak at the right moment,” Kah said. “Now is the time for us to start peaking and get ourselves to the position that we need to finish the season strong.”

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 TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: Container bars, NE & NW Grab N Go, and Zoyo.

FEATURED BITES:
Walking Taco, Rising Tatchos, Rising Elote, Sonoran Dog Corn Dog, and Red & Black popcorn

STADIUM MAP

Matchday 23: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Hartford Athletic

Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:30pm (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
TV: Arizona’s Family 3TV & 44 | Streaming: ESPN+ & AZ Family Sports App | Rising Radio

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

PREVIEW
Fresh off a historic 100th regular-season home win, Phoenix Rising enters Saturday’s match with plenty of momentum. Last weekend’s victory over Monterey Bay made Rising just the fifth club in USL Championship history to reach 100 regular-season home victories. 

History is also on their side going into the match against Hartford Athletic, as Rising is a perfect 2-0-0 in the all-time series, most recently earning a 3-1 home win in 2023. They’ll be looking to keep the streak alive and celebrate home win number 101.

“Competition. Football is the best competition and it’s the best motivator. Competition,” Kah said. “Because when you compete and you give your best every day, not only are you going to improve yourself, you’re going to improve the players around you.”

ITEM OF THE MATCH

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 TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: AZ Lemonade Stand, Crazy Dog Kettle Corn Popcorn, Oh So Good Donuts, Bahama Bucks, Cheesesteaks & Cheesecakes, Grab N Go, Mama Lola’s, Maya’s Cajun Kitchen, Pizza Arno, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, and Grab N Go.

FEATURED BITES:
Walking Taco, Rising Tatchos, Rising Elote, Sonoran Dog Corn Dog, and Red & Black popcorn

STADIUM MAP

Ambursley, 19, developed in the youth ranks with English sides Charlton Athletic and Coventry City

PHOENIX (July 16, 2026) — Phoenix Rising FC today announced it has signed forward Conrad Ambursley through the 2027 season, pending league and federation approval.

Ambursley, 19, joins Phoenix from English Premier League side Coventry City, where he developed in the club’s academy system. The forward spent his early career with Charlton Athletic before moving to Coventry City, where he signed his first professional contract in 2025.

“We always need players who can go one-on-one and who can create,” Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how (Ambursley) settles into the group and what he can bring us. He’s a player with potential, so hopefully he hits the ground running and can help us achieve our objectives and goals.”

The forward has scored 12 goals between Coventry City’s U18 (9) and U21 (3) teams over the past three seasons. He scored his most recent goal on February 24, 2026, netting a free kick in a 1-0 win.

“I’m expressive, a dribbler,” Ambursley said. “I want to take chances, aim to score goals and create, helping in games as much as I can.”

Outside of league play, Ambursley scored a goal in one of his two FA Youth Cup appearances with Coventry City.

“I’m excited to be a part of the project,” Ambursley said. “I’m a young player, so when (the club) showed me how they want to develop players…I saw it as an unbelievable opportunity.”

Conrad Ambursley: By the Numbers
-Joins Phoenix from Coventry City’s U21 squad, where he has played since July 2025.
-Developed through the youth ranks at Charlton Athletic and Coventry City. 
-Netted three goals with Coventry City’s U21 side (2024-26).
-Scored nine goals across 27 appearances for Coventry City’s U18 team in 2023-24.
-Additionally, he has one goal in two career FA Youth Cup appearances (Coventry City).
-Eligible to represent both England and Jamaica internationally.

Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC signs forward Conrad Ambursley through the 2027 season, pending league and federation approval.

Name: Conrad Ambursley
Pronunciation: Kawn-rad Ambers-lee
Position: Forward
DOB: February 7, 2007 (19)
Birthplace: United Kingdom
Former Club: Coventry City
Height: 5-10
Weight: 167

Sacko’s 12 goal contributions in league play (9G, 3A) put him at the top of the USL Championship

Phoenix Rising forward Ihsan Sacko has been named the USL Championship Mid-Season Player of the Year, USL announced today. The French forward has made 14 goal contributions (9G, 5A) in all competitions, with four multi-goal-contribution matches, including netting a brace in three separate league appearances.

“He has been phenomenal,” Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah said of Sacko earlier this season. “He now understands what it means to be in the USL and what it takes.”

Five of Sacko’s nine goals have come from the penalty spot. Notably, Sacko is the only player in the USL Championship with more than 30 shots and 30 chances created, taking at least three shots in eight of his 14 league appearances through the first half of Rising’s 2026 campaign.

“I’m feeling great,” Sacko said after Rising’s 3-0 win over New Mexico United in April. “Not about the two goals, but about the three points.”

Sacko has played a direct role in the majority of Rising’s four wins, both through goals and assists. His ability to draw attention and create for teammates has resulted in five assists across all competitions, most recently playing a direct role in midfielder Diego Gómez’s goal against Oakland Roots SC on June 20. The forward leads Rising in Team of the Week recognition – being named to the roster in Weeks 6, 7, 13 and 15 – while his goal against Orange County SC in Matchday 2 was recognized as Goal of the Week.

Rising returns from its midseason Mental Health break on July 4 at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, with Sacko carrying one of the league’s most complete attacking profiles into the second half of the season.

Sacko finished with his fourth multi-goal-contribution outing in Rising’s match against Oakland Roots SC on June 20

Phoenix Rising forward Ihsan Sacko has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week 16, USL announced today. Sacko received a spot on the bench after he contributed a goal and an assist in a seven-goal second half as Rising fought back from a 2-0 deficit before falling 4-3 to Oakland Roots SC on June 20 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

“(Sacko) has been phenomenal,” Kah said earlier in the season. “He understands what it means to be in the USL and what it takes.”

Sacko finished the night with a goal and assist, his fourth multi-goal-contribution match of the 2026 season. With nine goals on the season, Sacko is the second-leading scorer in the USL Championship through the first 15 matchdays.

The French forward converted from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, his fifth conversion from the spot in the regular season, before assisting on midfielder Diego Gómez’s second goal of the season with a cross sent in from the right.

“I love to play every position, so I just enjoy my time on the pitch,” Sacko said after Rising’s 2-0 win over Sacramento Republic FC on May 30, his third brace of the season.

The bench selection marks Sacko’s fourth individual recognition of the 2026 campaign. He previously earned a starting spot in the Team of the Week in Weeks 6, 7 and 13.

Sacko and Rising’s next match comes on the road against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (PT) on July 4 at Weidner Field.

Matchday 17: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Oakland Roots SC
Presented by Circle K

Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:30pm (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
TV: Arizona’s Family 3TV & 44 | Streaming: ESPN+ | Rising Radio

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

PREVIEW
Phoenix Rising FC plays its final match in June on Saturday, hosting Oakland Roots SC on June 20 at Phoenix Rising Stadium before the team begins its mental health break. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (PT) and will air on 3TV, AZFS, ESPN+, Rising Radio (English) and 90MasRising (Spanish).

Saturday marks the second regular-season showdown between the two Western Conference foes, with the last match a 2-2 draw as Rising completed a dramatic late comeback at home back in March. Rising responded late with two goals in the final minutes to salvage a point on its own turf. 

A single point separates the two teams in the Western Conference table after Oakland earned a 1-1 draw against Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday afternoon. Rising enters the match with a 5-2-5 record and a solid 3-1-3 mark at home. 

“I hope the whole team is thinking about the three points (against Oakland),” forward Ishan Sacko said. “I think we’re all thinking about the three points, the coaches too.” 

PRIDE NIGHT

• Gate Giveaway: 2500 Pride Cooling Towels (located at NE corner of the concourse)
• Pride Corner Flags
• Item of the Match: Pride Tee & Tank (located at Just Sports Tent)
• Egress: Circle K gas cards
• Featured bites: Walking Taco, Rising Tatchos, Rising Elote, Sonoran Dog Corn Dog, and Red & Black popcorn

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 TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: AZ Lemonade Stand, Crazy Dog Kettle Corn Popcorn, Oh So Good Donuts, Bahama Bucks, Cheesesteaks & Cheesecakes, Grab N Go, Mama Lola’s, Maya’s Cajun Kitchen, Pizza Arno, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, and Grab N Go.

FEATURED BITES:
Walking Taco, Rising Tatchos, Rising Elote, Sonoran Dog Corn Dog, and Red & Black popcorn

STADIUM MAP