News

Ihsan Sacko Earns Third Consecutive Team of the Week Honor

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 34 of the 2026 regular season today, with Rising forward Ihsan Sacko earning honors for the third consecutive week. Sacko was also named Player of the Week for Week 34, marking his second selection this season after previously earning the recognition in Week 32 following his performance against Las Vegas Lights FC.

The latest honors follow Sacko’s performance in a 3-3 draw against Lexington SC, where he opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes before recording an assist on Gunnar Studenhofft’s goal shortly after. The recognition adds to Sacko’s eighth Team of the Week selection of the season and his Golden Boot win announced Monday.

Sacko finished the regular season with a team-high 17 goals and five assists, leading Phoenix Rising in both categories.

“That is an unbelievable and amazing achievement for him and for the group,” Kah said. “It’s well deserved because I think he’s been one of the best players for us so I’m always happy for him because he loves and breathes football and then to win the Golden Boot, that’s an amazing thing.”

The USL Championship Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the USL Championship. Sacko claimed the award with 36% of the vote, while Loudoun United FC midfielder James Murphy and Birmingham Legion FC defender Sebastian Tregarthen finished tied for second on 27% for their roles in victories for their clubs over the final week of the campaign.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 34
GK – Luis Zamudio, Charleston Battery: The 28-year-old recorded a three-save shutout to help the Battery earn a 1-0 victory against Indy Eleven while also making one high claim and completing 18 of 18 passes at Patriots Point. 

D – Sebastian Tregarthen, Birmingham Legion FC: The right back scored both goals as Legion took a 2-1 victory against Brooklyn FC on Wednesday night while also recording eight recoveries, five clearances, completing 6 of 9 dribbles and winning 12 of 20 duels. 

D – Lee Desmond, Sacramento Republic FC: The Irish center back scored the game-tying goal as Sacramento rallied for a 3-2 victory against Oakland Roots SC while also winning 6 of 6 duels and recording eight clearances and five recoveries defensively at Heart Health Park. 

D – Graham Smith, Charleston Battery: The former Championship Defender of the Year recorded seven clearances, two blocked shots and won 16 of 19 duels to help the Battery earn a 1-0 victory against Indy Eleven and move into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. 

M – James Murphy, Loudoun United FC: The central midfielder recorded one goal and two assists in leading Loudoun to a 4-3 comeback victory against Brooklyn FC on Saturday night while also recording three chances created and completing 42 of 49 passes. 

M – Memo Rodríguez, Sacramento Republic FC: The veteran midfielder notched a pair of assists in Republic FC’s 3-2 victory against Oakland Roots SC while recording four chances created, completing 36 of 44 passes, notching five recoveries and winning 5 of 7 duels defensively. 

M – Lewis Hilton, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The English veteran recorded a pair of assists in the Rowdies’ 2-0 victory against Sporting Club Jacksonville while completing 53 of 61 passes overall and recording two recoveries and one interception at Al Lang Stadium. 

M – Emil Cuello, San Antonio FC: The Argentine scored the opening goal in San Antonio’s 2-1 victory against Orange County SC to seal the club’s postseason berth and recorded a game-high five shots and six touches in the attacking penalty area while winning 7 of 9 ground duels and completing 3 of 3 dribbles. 

F – Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., Brooklyn FC: The Honduran international scored a pair of goals and had four shots overall in BKFC’s season-ending contest against Loudoun United FC while also winning 7 of 12 ground duels, completing 2 of 3 dribbles and winning a penalty kick at Segra Field. 

F – Trevor Amann, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: The 28-year-old recorded a goal and assist in the Hounds’ 2-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday night and had five shots, three chances created and completed 12 of 16 passes overall while winning 6 of 8 aerial duels. 

F – Ihsan Sacko, Phoenix Rising FC: The French forward claimed the Golden Boot as he notched his 17th goal of the regular season and an assist in Rising’s 3-3 draw against Lexington SC while recording two shots and two chances created and winning 5 of 8 ground duels.  

Coach – Alan McCann, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: McCann led his side to a 2-0 victory against FC Tulsa to extend the club’s undefeated streak as the Switchbacks limited the Scissortails to only seven shots despite playing the second half down to 10 players. 

Bench – Ryan Schewe (LOU), Salvatore Mazzaferro (LDN), Brian Schaefer (TBR), Aaron Molloy (LEX), Danny Griffin (PIT), Emmanuel Samadia (HFD), Abdellatif Aboukoura (LDN) 

Matchday 34: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Lexington SC

Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:00pm (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
TV: 3TV | Streaming: CBS Sports Golazo & 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 after a 3-1 win against Orange County on October 17 at Championship Soccer Stadium. Currently ninth in the West and one game left to play, Rising now prepares to face a Lexington squad that sits in fourth place with 47 points compared to Rising’s 39. Kickoff of the club’s Fan Appreciation Night is slated for 7:00 p.m. (PT) on October 24 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

“It’s in our hands. We focus on ourselves. We don’t have to focus on any scenarios or anything. We win Saturday and that’s our job done,” Scearce said.

FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT

• Gate Giveaway: T-shirts
• Pregame:
  • Live DJ with Atrium (behind section 109)
  • CAKED GLAM CO with fineline tattoos
  • Inflatable soccer darts for the kids in the concourse
  • Whataburger will have free burger sampling and scarf distribution in the express lot
  • Fan Starting XI Recognition
  • Carvana T-shirt toss with 30 jerseys after the National Anthem
• End of Season Merch Sale: 40% off all items and 20% Jerseys
• Egress: Main Event and 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

Two Rising Players Named to USL Championship Team of the Week For Week 33

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 33 of the 2026 regular season today, with Rising forward Ihsan Sacko and defender Pape Mar Boye both earning a spot in the starting eleven for their standout performances against Orange County SC. Sacko received back-to-back Team of the Week honors making it his seventh of the season. Alongside him, Boye has received this honor three times prior.

Ihsan Sacko now has 16 goals on the season, tied for the league lead and in the Golden Boot race. Pape Mar Boye also found the back of the net for the first time in 2026, converting off a Diego Gomez corner kick inside the opening 10 minutes to set the tone in Saturday’s 3-1 win. With momentum on their side, Rising will look to carry that form into Saturday’s regular-season finale against Lexington.

“I think it’s an unbelievable achievement. I think [Sacko] could have had more, that’s just me, and he knows that himself,” Kah said. “It’s a great thing and I hope he turns that into next week and the team helps him. He has been amazing.”

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 33
GK – Nico Campuzano, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: The Spanish shot-stopper logged a five-save performance that included a key penalty save as the Hounds grabbed a late 1-1 draw against Rhode Island FC on Saturday night.

D – Nick Scardina, Rhode Island FC: The 25-year-old recorded a goal and assist across two outings as RIFC clinched its third consecutive trip to the postseason while completing 68 of 87 passes and winning 2 of 2 tackles while making seven recoveries and four interceptions defensively.

D – Kevon Lambert, Louisville City FC: The Jamaican international scored a brilliant long-range strike and completed 62 of 68 passes in his hour-long performance against Indy Eleven while making nine clearances and recording four recoveries defensively as LouCity took victory against its rival.

D – Pape Mar Boye, Phoenix Rising FC: The 22-year-old scored once in his side’s 3-1 victory against Orange County SC while winning 8 of 12 duels and 7 of 7 tackles and recording five clearances and four recoveries at Championship Soccer Stadium.

M – Nick Firmino, Lexington SC: The 25-year-old recorded a pair of goals in his side’s 5-3 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC and completed 23 of 34 passes overall while winning 7 of 9 duels and recording three recoveries and one interception defensively at Cashman Field.

M – Christian Pinzon, Las Vegas Lights FC: The Mexican notched a pair of assists on two chances created in his side’s contest against Lexington SC while completing 46 of 48 passes overall at Cashman Field.

M – Blaine Ferri, Lexington SC: The 26-year-old scored once and completed 41 of 47 passes in Lexington’s 5-3 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC to help seal a top four finish in the Western Conference while also winning 3 of 3 ground duels and making seven recoveries defensively.

M – Wolfgang Prentice, Oakland Roots SC: The 26-year-old recorded two goals as Roots remained alive in the Western Conference playoff race with a 4-2 victory against FC Tulsa on Saturday night, while also completing 20 of 29 passes and winning 4 of 8 ground duels defensively.

F – Ray Serrano, Louisville City FC: Serrano recorded the first hat trick of his USL Championship career to lead LouCity to a 4-1 victory against rival Indy Eleven while completing 73 of 79 passes and recording six shots overall and making six recoveries and three interceptions defensively.

F – Chris Donovan, Louisville City FC: Donovan recorded his first three-assist game in the Championship and completed 24 of 31 passes overall while winning 2 of 3 ground duels and making two recoveries defensively in his side’s 4-1 win against rival Indy Eleven.

F – Ihsan Sacko, Phoenix Rising FC: The French forward scored a pair of goals to lead Rising to a 3-1 victory against Orange County SC as he completed 12 of 13 passes and notched four shots overall while recording four recoveries and completing 1 of 3 dribbles at Championship Soccer Stadium.

Coach – Simon Bird, Louisville City FC: Bird’s squad swept to a 4-1 victory against LIPAFC rival Indy Eleven at Lynn Family Stadium as the hosts limited Indy to only a 0.52 Expected Goals mark on nine shots while connecting sharply in its transition moments, completing 128 of 162 passes in the final third.

Bench – Jake McGuire (JAX), Nelson Blanco (SA), AJ Paterson (BHM), Amos Shapiro-Thompson (RI), Bertin Jacquesson (OAK), CJ Olney Jr. (BKN), Joel Soñora (MIA)

Ihsan Sacko’s brace against Las Vegas earned him Team of the Week honors

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 32 of the 2026 regular season today, with Rising forward Ihsan Sacko earning an spot in the starting lineup for his standout performance against Las Vegas Lights. This is Sacko’s sixth time this season receiving this honor. Not only that, Pa-Modou Kah was named Coach of the Week following the 3-2 win at 38th & Washington.

Ihsan Sacko now has 14 goals on the season, tied for second in the league and two behind the Golden Boot leader. His first came in the 24th minute, chasing down a ball over the top from Jean Eric Moursou before cutting inside his defender and finishing at the near post. He doubled his tally from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after a foul on Gunnar Studenhofft. Head coach Pa-Modou Kah was also named Coach of the Week after leading Rising to a crucial victory that kept the club’s playoff hopes alive with two matches remaining in the regular season.

“I think it’s great, I think he’s well deserving. Obviously coming off two goals you’re always going to put yourself into the picture,” Kah said. “The crazy part with him is in every game that he plays, he’s always has 1 or 2 moments where he can be decisive. And again, he took his chances very well. So, you can you can tell for him it was about time.”

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 32
GK – Kendall McIntosh, Oakland Roots SC: McIntosh recorded a key penalty kick save as part of a three-save shutout against San Antonio FC to keep Roots’ chances of reaching the USL Championship Playoffs alive in a scoreless draw on Saturday night.

D – Owen Mikoy, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: The 24-year old recorded 16 clearances, won 10 of 11 aerial duels and 3 of 3 ground duels and made three recoveries to help Pittsburgh earn a 2-1 victory against Hartford Athletic to seal its ninth consecutive postseason berth.

D – Kevon Lambert, Louisville City FC: The Jamaican international again stood tall defensively winning 11 of 12 duels – including 6 of 7 aerial duels – while making 14 clearances and completed 39 of 44 passes in LouCity’s 2-0 victory on the road against the Charleston Battery.

D – Talen Maples, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Maples scored Colorado Springs’ goal in a 1-1 draw against Sacramento Republic FC and completed 37 of 43 passes while making five clearances, five recoveries and winning 7 of 10 duels at Heart Health Park.

M – Charlie Dennis, New Mexico United: Dennis scored a pair of goals to lead New Mexico to a 3-1 victory against Monterey Bay FC and completed 25 of 28 passes overall while notching four shots and one chance created and winning 3 of 4 duels.

M – Charles Ahl, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Ahl scored the game-winning goal in Pittsburgh 2-1 victory against Hartford Athletic to secure the Hounds’ playoff berth and had four shots and two chances created overall while completing 24 of 30 passes and winning 5 of 8 ground duels.

M – Sebastian Cruz, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The 26-year-old scored what proved to be the game-winner in the Rowdies’ 3-1 win against Indy Eleven while completing 59 of 68 passes, winning 3 of 3 ground duels and making five recoveries at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.

M – Ricky Ruiz, El Paso Locomotive FC: Ruiz recorded one assist and two chances created while completing 42 of 50 passes overall in Locomotive’s 2-1 win at home to Orange County SC while winning 13 of 16 duels defensively at Southwest University Park.

F – Niall Reid-Stephen, New Mexico United: The Barbados international recorded two assists and had five chances created overall in New Mexico’s 3-1 win against Monterey Bay FC while completing 24 of 27 passes and making five recoveries and two interceptions defensively.

F – Eddy Davis III, Loudoun United FC: Davis scored both goals as Loudoun United ended Miami FC’s four-game winning streak with a 2-0 victory as he recorded four shots, recorded eight touches in the attacking box and won 7 of 7 duels while completing 9 of 13 passes overall.

F – Ihsan Sacko, Phoenix Rising FC: The French forward scored a pair of goals and put all three of his shots on target while completing 15 of 16 passes and making three recoveries in Rising’s 3-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Coach – Pa-Modou Kah, Phoenix Rising FC: Kah’s squad earned victory to keep its chances of reaching the postseason alive with a 3-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC that saw the side record 11 of 15 shots inside the penalty area.

Bench – Joey Batrouni (SA), Luca Piras (LDN), Jacob Greene (LEX), Sebastian Lletget (MB), James Murphy (LDN), Amando Moreno (ELP), Greg Hurst (NM)

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