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Phoenix Rising FC has named Danny Stone head coach, the defending USL Champions announced today.

“After a thorough and thoughtful search, we are confident that Danny is the right leader to guide our team into the next chapter of success,” said Phoenix Rising FC President Bobby Dulle.  “He has been an integral part of our organization over the years, both with our youth club and the first team, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, tactical expertise and the ability to do what is necessary at any given moment to help the club succeed on and off the field.

“Danny has a clear understanding of our club’s vision and we are confident his leadership will propel our team to new heights. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth of Phoenix Rising under his guidance.”

Stone has served as an assistant coach with Rising since March 9, 2021, helping the club earn the best record in the Western Conference (20-5-7) in his first season. Rising amassed a record of 48-31-26 in league play in the three seasons Stone served as an assistant coach, culminating in the club’s first USL Championship Title and third Western Conference Championship in November.

“What we were able to achieve together as a group in 2023 was incredible,” said Stone. “I am delighted to have been part of that journey and feel we have put in place a strong foundation to build upon in 2024. The staff and players together are all looking forward to the challenge that the new season will bring.”

Prior to joining Rising, Stone served as an assistant coach with USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC during the 2019-20 seasons. He began his coaching career by working with youth academies in Las Vegas before transitioning into a similar role with Major League Soccer side, Colorado Rapids in 2008, where he helped establish the franchise’s youth academy structure. Stone served as an assistant coach for the Rapids from 2015-18.

“I’m very proud to be given the opportunity to manage this organization,” said Stone. “I have a long history with Phoenix as a City. I cannot wait to reconnect with the community and interact with Rising fans. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with this team. I want our fans to know we will all be working hard to continue to bring success to Phoenix.”

Originally from Liverpool, England, Stone first moved to Phoenix and attended Corona del Sol High School in Tempe as a 15-year-old in 1997. He returned to England where he played professionally as a defender for Blackburn Rovers FC and Notts County FC. Following his playing career, Stone earned his USSF ‘A’ license.

Phoenix Rising FC has signed 15-year-old Barca Residency Academy product Isaiah Kaakoush “Koush” to a USL Academy Contract, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

Kaakoush began training with Rising at the end of the 2023 regular season. A center back with his academy team, he spent time training as a defensive mid with the professional team in 2023.

“I like the having the ball at my feet,” said Kaakoush. “I love possession-based football. My goal this season is to break in and get some minutes with the first team. I want to get better every time I train and create opportunities for myself in the future. Last season was a matter of getting comfortable. The guys accepted me, I just need to continue to progress. I’ll do my best for the fans. I can’t wait to get started. I am excited to be part of what we all believe will be a great season.”

Kaakoush, who turns 16 next week, was just eight years old when Phoenix Rising FC first announced it was establishing a professional team in the city in 2016.

“I’ve been of fan of Phoenix Rising for a long time,” said Kaakoush. “I remember hearing that there was a new professional club coming to town. I was excited. I wanted to be able to watch immediately. It has been amazing. It’s awesome that there is a team close to me that is at that high of a level.

Rising has always been a team I liked to watch. The fact they’re local and I can go watch one of the games is huge. As a fan, the atmosphere is awesome. It’s very professional. The fans and community that comes out to support the team are very passionate. The fact the players come and say ‘hi’ to everyone after the game to show they appreciate and care about the fans is uplifting.”

Along with Efetobo Aror, Joel Torbic and Hayden Sargis, Kaakoush is the fourth former Barca Residency Academy player to sign with Phoenix Rising.

“Collaborating with Phoenix Rising to provide additional training and playing opportunities for our players creates a great pathway into the professional game for our top prospects,” said Barca Academy Director Ged Quinn. “We look forward to continuing to build on this relationship. For Isaiah, this is a fantastic opportunity for him to train on a consistent basis with full time professionals at the USL level.

Isaiah has been with Barca Residency Academy for three seasons after joining us as a 13-year-old. He has excelled as a player in the youth game, representing all age groups within our academy. Last year, playing as a U15 player, he had some excellent performances for our U19 team in the prestigious Super Group at Dallas Cup. He also starred in our playoff run at the end of that season.”

Kaakoush made three appearances for the U.S. U-15 National Team in 2023. He also trained with Premier League side Nottingham Forest and La Masia, the youth academy of FC Barcelona.

Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC signs defender Isaiah Kaakoush
Name: Isaiah Kaakoush
Pronunciation: KAH-koosh
Number: 64
DOB: January 20, 2008 (15)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
Position: Defender
Born: Maricopa, Arizona
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona
Last Club: Barca Residency Academy

ROSTERED PLAYERS (19):
Goalkeeper (1): Patrick Rakovsky
Defenders (8): Eddie Munjoma, John Stenberg, Juan Carlos Azocar, Eduardo Rito, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Mo Traore, Papa Mar Boye, Isaiah Kaakoush
Midfielders (8): Panos Armenakas, Carlos Harvey, Jose Hernandez, Gabi Torres, Fede Varela, Renzo Zambrano, JP Scearce, Emil Cuello
Forwards (2): Erickson Gallardo, Dariusz Formella

Phoenix Rising FC has signed midfielder Giulio Doratiotto, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

“I learned a bit about Phoenix Rising when the team visited Turin in the offseason,” said Doratiotto. “I’ve always been fascinated by America and the NBA and NFL. I was looking for a new opportunity to show people my ability and quality.

My playing style is creative. I play with imagination and like to create something out of nothing. I am versatile and can play as an eight, but anywhere in the middle of the field. Depending on the formation, I am also comfortable playing as a 10.”

Doratiotto spent the past two seasons with Juventus U-19s in the Campionato Primavera 1, the U-19 league for clubs playing in the Italian Serie A. Doratiotto made 28 appearances for Juventus U-19s since his debut in 2021.

“I went to Juventus as a 14-year-old after spending my time as a youth player with Pordenone,” said Doratiotto. “Juventus was a five-hour commute for me, so I had to leave home at a very young age to chase my dream. Fortunately, I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences with Juventus. It has made me the person and player I am today. I feel I matured very quickly. That has helped me serve as the captain for some youth sides during my time at Juventus.”

Doratiotto was able to train with Juventus’ first team on several occasions, beginning when he was 15 years old.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to train with players like Cristiano Rolando, Dybala and Matuidi, who at the time had just come from winning a World Cup with France. To be able to practice with the first team and gain that level of experience has been amazing.”

“Giulio is a talented young player who will bring with him a high level of technical ability,” added Phoenix Rising Assistant Coach Danny Stone. “He is well suited to the Phoenix Rising philosophy. His playing style will complement our team well. He can link play from midfield, showing strong intelligence and vision of the game around him.”

He comes from a top-level club in Juventus. He is used to operating within an environment with high standards of performance. We have no doubt that he brings with him a competitive mentality. We look forward to welcoming him to the Phoenix Rising family.”

Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC signs Giulio Doratiotto
Name: Giulio Doratiotto
Number: 23
DOB: May 18, 2004 (19)
Height: 5-9
Weight: 132
Position: Midfielder
Born: Portogruaro, Italy
Last Club: Juventus U19

How many players from last season’s combine advanced to train with the first team?

Out of last season’s combine, we invited five players to join our first team training for the first week of preseason. Following the first week of camp, we asked three of those five players to play in the first game of preseason. All three remained with the team until the end of preseason.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON HOW TO REGISTER

Talk about some players that have come through the tryout process to play at the USL Championship level here and across the league.

There have been a number of players that have signed contracts or longer trials through open tryouts with professional teams. Almost every USL Championship team throughout their existence has signed a player from open tryouts.

What are your memories of Zac Lubin from the trials?

Zac had a work rate and desire to earn a contract far beyond what we had seen in a player at one of our combines. He had natural ability along with some experience in oversea leagues. He was by no means a finished product coming into the preseason, but we offered him a two-week trial from the combine. He took the opportunity and gave us no other option but to sign him.

Did you go through these type of trials as a player? What is some advice you’d give to incoming players to help the excel during the trial?

I’d say players need to come into the tryout fit and have a good attitude. Showcase yourself individually but always within a team framework. Don’t overdo it. Keep it simple.

What does the staff look for in players besides pure technical ability?

We like players that have strong communication skills and a desire to compete. As I said above, players should come in fit and have great endurance. They should have a positive attitude and show they are coachable and show off their personalities. We like players that have the desire to compete.

When you select a player to join Rising for the preseason, what does that look like for them?

After the tryout has ended on Sunday, we will notify any players that have been selected to be ready to join the first team training, which begins Wednesday, January 17. These players will continue training with the first team each day for at least 10 days, leading up to our match against Portland Timbers on Saturday, January 27. These players will have the chance to showcase their abilities in our preseason opener match against Portland Timbers and in front of our fans. After the match, they will be given an evaluation on their performance. We’ll have discussions about continuing with the first team training with the intent of signing a professional contract.

Phoenix Rising FC has signed defender Pape Mar Boye, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

Boye, who turned 20 on December 30, helped lead Clemson to its fourth NCAA championship by defeating Norte Dame, 2-1, on December 11. The freshman started that match at center back and was named the College Cup Defensive MVP following the win.

“As a freshman,” Boye said. “I was the last man back in a three-man system, which made a lot of people nervous. Luckily, I’m not a player that worries too much. I just went out and played my game and listened to my coach. We played as the coach dictated and it all worked out. The team really came together well at the right time. We were there for each other.”

Drawing a lot of parallels to Phoenix Rising’s championship run in 2023, Boye’s story began in Dakar, Senegal, home of fellow Rising defender Mo Traore, who recently re-signed with the team.

“I grew up playing soccer in Senegal and joined Galaxy Football Academy in Dakar when I was 12 years old,” said Boye. “Through Galaxy, I had the opportunity to come to the U.S.”

Boye played his junior and senior seasons at Montverde Academy, near Orlando, Florida before being spotted by Clemson University during a college showcase.

“Clemson picked me and brought me in to play for them on scholarship, giving me the opportunity to play college soccer,” said Boye. “Adjusting to college life as a freshman at Clemson was difficult at the beginning. I didn’t know too many other players. We lost our first game. We travelled a lot. It was a tough moment for me but thankfully we were able to stick together as a team.

Being a freshman, I made some mistakes but there was always a teammate there to help me and get me back on track quickly. I gained a lot of experience as the season went on and the players that had been at Clemson for a few seasons were true leaders. They really helped me to succeed. They taught me to keep working hard and stay together. All that paid off and we had a lot of success at the end of the season.”

Clemson only allowed three goals in its final seven games to secure the NCAA Championship.

Boye was in line to be a top pick in the 2024 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, but instead chose to join the defending USL Champions.

“The offer to come to Phoenix means a lot to me because it will be my first contract as a professional,” said Boye. “I’m excited to get to work and help the team continue to make their fans happy. My goal is to help the team win another championship. I’ll do anything I can to help the team. I am ready to get to work.”

Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC signs defender Pape Mar Boye
Name: Pape Mar Boye
Pronunciation: Pop-Marr BOY
Number: 4
DOB: December 30, 2003 (20)
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200
Position: Defender
Born: Dakar, Senegal
Last Club: Clemson University

ROSTERED PLAYERS (18):
Goalkeeper (1): Patrick Rakovsky
Defenders (7): Eddie Munjoma, John Stenberg, Juan Carlos Azocar, Eduardo Rito, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Mo Traore, Papa Mar Boye
Midfielders (8): Panos Armenakas, Carlos Harvey, Jose Hernandez, Gabi Torres, Fede Varela, Renzo Zambrano, JP Scearce, Emil Cuello Forwards (2): Erickson Gallardo, Dariusz Formella

Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra has accepted a coaching position with a Major League Soccer side, the club announced today.

The MLS team met the terms of a buyout clause in Guerra’s contract to finalize the deal.

“Juan Guerra will always be part of the Phoenix Rising family,” said President Bobby Dulle. “In his short time as head coach, he helped the club achieve a goal it had been chasing for seven years. We are proud to have had him at the helm during our first championship season. We respect Juan’s decision to embark on a new opportunity and extend our best wishes for continued success to him and his family in their future endeavors.”

Guerra was named Head Coach of Phoenix Rising on August 22, 2022, leading the team to a record of 4-4-1 in the final nine matches. In the offseason, he helped masterfully reconstruct the roster, forging a team that excelled in the playoffs. The team’s skillful play resulted in four straight road wins, earning them the 2023 USL Championship trophy. Guerra ends his tenure at Rising with a record of 20-15-14 across all competitions.

“I want to express my gratitude for everyone that was part of what we were able to achieve,” said Guerra. “I am so grateful for the opportunity I received to come back to Phoenix and win a championship together. Being able to unify the coaching staff, the players and the front office under one culture and one goal was remarkable to see. That is what I want people to remember about my time here.

This was not an easy decision to make. We love Phoenix. We love where we are and my family loves being here, but this is part of the growth and development that the profession demands. It is the path I feel I need to take at this point in my career. As much as this hurts – it feels good to know we are leaving Phoenix in an incredible position. I am very sure the organization will continue to have success.”

Guerra initially joined Rising as an assistant coach in March of 2021, helping the team finish first in the Pacific Division with a Western Conference best record of 20-5-7. Rising FC won its division by 15 points and led the USL Championship in goals (68). Following the season, Guerra accepted the head coaching position at Oakland Roots SC, leading the side to a 6-7-12 record.

Prior to joining Phoenix, the Venezuelan spent two seasons as an assistant coach with USL Championship club Indy Eleven, following a playing career that saw him record almost 200 professional appearances. He earned six international caps and represented Venezuela in FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying. 

Phoenix Rising FC has signed defender Mohamed Traore, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

“Rising is a great team and I loved being part of the team last season,” said Traore. “It’s a very good group of guys that had a great season and really made me feel like Phoenix was the right place for me. We’re young. We still have room to grow. The coaching staff is very good at helping us reach our full potential.”

Traore, 21, signed with Rising, on loan from LAFC, on February 28, 2022. The young defender peaked at the perfect time of the 2023 season, starting the final 13 matches, including Phoenix’s four-game playoff run to secure its first USL Championship.

“At the beginning of the season,” added Traore. “It was kind of rough, maybe some injuries or inconsistent play got in the way but with the help of the coaches and my teammates, I found my confidence. I know I can do my job well. Towards the end of the year, like everyone else, I was just focusing on bringing my A game every time I stepped on the field.”

Traore earned Team of the Week honors in Week 27 and 28.  He finished the season with two assists, one of which came in the 90^th minute of the final, in 20 league appearances. Defensively, Traore had 65 clearances and won 31 tackles, both of which ranked third-most on the team despite playing just 1,300 minutes.

“During the final,” said Traore. “From beginning to end, everything – the mentality, how we prepared, the way we showed up after the rough start… I looked around to my left and right and saw the faces of my teammates. They were not there to lose. That stood out to me and really made us all fight to the end. Good memories.”

Traore’s contract with LAFC expired following the 2023 season, which allowed Rising to sign the defender directly for the 2024 season.

Traore joined LAFC in August of 2020 when the MLS side used the top spot in the MLS Waiver Order to sign the defender. He appeared in one match for LAFC that season and was loaned to Las Vegas Lights for the 2021-22 seasons. Traore appeared 52 USL Championship matches for Lights FC, scoring two goals across all competitions.

Traore came to the U.S from Dakar, Senegal to attend Montverde Academy in Orlando, Florida, as a 14-year-old. A three-year honor roll student, he had seven assists, helping Montverde to a 21-4-1 record in his senior season.

Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC signs Mohamed Traore
Name: Mohamed Traore
Pronunciation: Tri-ORE-eh
Number: 5
DOB: August 15, 2002 (21)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 160
Position: Defender
Born: Dakar, Senegal
Last Club: LAFC

ROSTERED PLAYERS (17):
Goalkeeper (1): Patrick Rakovsky
Defenders (6): Eddie Munjoma, John Stenberg, Juan Carlos Azocar, Eduardo Rito, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Mo Traore
Midfielders (8): Panos Armenakas, Carlos Harvey, Jose Hernandez, Gabi Torres, Fede Varela, Renzo Zambrano, JP Scearce, Emil Cuello Forwards (2): Erickson Gallardo, Dariusz Formella

Phoenix Rising FC announced its preliminary preseason schedule today.

Additional matches may be added to the schedule as information becomes available.

The defending USL Champions will face Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers FC in an exhibition match at Phoenix Rising Stadium on January 27 at 1 p.m. The match will be the first Rising home game since October 7. Phoenix won four consecutive road playoff matches to close the 2023 season with the club’s first league championship.

All fans attending that match will be welcomed onto the training field at Phoenix Rising Stadium for a postgame introduction to the 2024 squad. The introduction will include opportunities to obtain autographs, photos and interact with the team in a family-friendly environment.

Rising will remain in Phoenix for training until February 9, when it travels to California for a week of training and a friendly vs. Minnesota United in the Coachella Valley Invitational on Saturday, February 10 (12 p.m. PST).

Rising will return to training in Phoenix and play two final preseason matches at Phoenix Rising Stadium (vs. Las Vegas Lights FC on 2/24 & vs. LA Galaxy 2 on 3/1) before opening its eighth season in the USL Championship against Birmingham Legion FC at home on Saturday, March 9. Tickets for the home opener will go on-sale on Monday, January 22. For more information, please visit PHXRisingFC.com.

Season ticket members have access to two of the preseason home games as part of their season ticket package with the third game added as a bonus, giving them access to all three home games without an additional charge.


RISING PRESEASON SCHEDULE
January 27 vs. Portland Timbers (Phoenix Rising Stadium) at 1 p.m. – VIEW TICKETS
February 10 vs. Minnesota United (Coachella Valley Invitational) at 12 p.m. – VIEW TICKETS
February 24 vs. Las Vegas Lights (Phoenix Rising Stadium) at 7 p.m. – VIEW TICKETS
March 1 vs. LA Galaxy 2 (Phoenix Rising Stadium) at 7 p.m. – VIEW TICKETS

Phoenix Rising FC defender and Captain Darnell King announced today that he will be transitioning into a coaching role with the club for the 2024 season.

“I’ve been lucky enough to do this for 12 years,” said King. “Raising the USL Championship trophy over my head was an amazing way to cap off my playing career. I’ve had so many great memories over the years with all the teammates and friends that have come and gone. The experience has been nothing short of amazing.”

King, 33, started just twice for Phoenix through the opening 16 league matches of 2023, but found his form in concert with a side that went on the claim the USL Championship. The defender earned 17 starts in the final 22 matches of the season, leading the team to a 9-5-4 record in those games. Rising outscored opponents 33-21 in King’s final 17 matches, earning four shutouts and allowing just 0.80 goals per game.

“I’m very excited to transition into a coaching role with Rising,” said King. “To be able to stick around the game and continue doing something I love… I am so fortunate for what the game has given me over the years. I can’t wait to use that experience as a coach – to help the club continue with the success it has enjoyed the last seven seasons. ”

King initiated the process of obtaining his U.S. Soccer Federation “B” License during the 2023 USL Championship season. He even attended Zoom calls during Phoenix’s time in Charleston for the 2023 Championship match in November. The course work for the license is expected to conclude in April.

King spent the last four seasons of his playing career with Rising, racking up 110 appearances across all competitions with four goals and five assists. Defensively, he led Phoenix in tackles won (37) in 2020 and in clearances 110 during the 2021-22 seasons.

“Darnell played an integral role in helping this club achieve a goal it had been chasing for seven seasons,” said Phoenix Rising FC President Bobby Dulle. “His dedication on and off the pitch the past four seasons made him an ideal candidate to step into a leadership role as an assistant coach. I look forward to seeing him grow in his new role, where he can use his experience to lead this franchise to continued success.”

Prior to joining Phoenix, King spent the 2019 season with Nashville SC. He picked up one assist in 21 matches, helping Nashville to the top defensive performance in the USL Championship that season by allowing just 26 goals. King spent the 2018 season with San Antonio FC, where he scored twice with four assists in 32 matches. His 2017 season was spent with his hometown team, Tampa Bay.