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Phoenix Rising has named Diego Gómez as an assistant coach, the club announced today.

“We certainly went through a thorough process to make sure Diego was culturally a good fit for the organization,” said Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “We felt his values matched ours. His skillset was exactly what we needed in an assistant coach. I know very well what that role requires. Diego is a well-educated coach. He is a good organizer and detailed thinker in the way he works. He will bring youth, personality, and energy to the group. He’ll be great connector between players and the rest of the coaching staff.”

Licensed to coach at the highest level in Spain, Gomez is a former goalkeeper that spent his formative years in the academy systems of Real Madrid (1998-02) and FC Barcelona (2002-10). Gómez played professionally in Spain and Hong Kong from 2010 to 2013 before transitioning to a coaching career with AC Milan, Hong Kong in 2013.

“I’m excited to join a prestigious club like Phoenix Rising,” said Gomez. “I’m looking forward to working with Danny and the rest of the staff and players. I can’t wait to get to work and fight to bring trophies back to Phoenix.”

From 2013 to 2017, Gomez advanced from a position as a youth coach in Spain and China to become a director in David Villa’s DV7 Academy in Korea and Chula Vista, California. He served as an academy coach, then sporting director and head coach for Queensboro FC II (2021-22) before becoming the head coach of NISA teams Albion SC and Irvine Zeta (2023-24).

Phoenix Rising FC Technical Staff
Gomez joins Darnell King as one of two assistant coaches under Stone. King captained Phoenix to a USL Championship title last season before joining the coaching staff. Cory Robertson, who is entering his ninth season with the club, will continue to serve as goalkeeper coach.

Jeronimo Aimar (Strength & Conditioning Coach) and Chris Standring (Video Analyst) will be returning for their second seasons. Greg Spence (Head Athletic Trainer) and Destiny Lalaguna (Assistant Athletic Trainer) and Thomas Markey (Team Administrator) are also entering their second seasons with Rising. In his first year, Jake Minder will serve as the equipment manager.

Phoenix Rising FC has signed defender Laurence Wyke, the club announced today.

“Laurence has been a high-quality player with an extremely competitive team in this league,” said Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “He was a big part of the success they enjoyed in Tampa Bay. He will add competitiveness, quality, versatility, and presence here in Phoenix.”

Wyke spent last season with Major League Soccer side, Nashville SC. He appeared in three U.S. Open Cup matches, playing the full 90 minutes in each. Nashville SC earned shutouts vs. San Antonio FC and FC Dallas in those matches, allowing just 0.66 goals per game. Wyke assisted on Alex Muyl’s goal in a 2-1 loss to Inter Miami in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 after sending in a dangerous cross from the right flank.  

“I’m really happy to be heading to Phoenix, the reigning USL Champions,” said Wyke. “I’ve always had my eye on Phoenix. I like the way they play. It’s a very professional environment.”

In addition to his appearances in the U.S. Open Cup for Nashville, Wyke played two matches for Huntsville City FC in MLS Next Pro and appeared twice for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship.

“I have a bite to me,” said Wyke when asked about his playing style. “I’m a very passionate player. I’m quite technical on the ball and with my distribution. Defensively, I am very solid, but I like being on the ball, dictating the play.”

Wyke, 27, signed with the Youth Academy of Manchester United as a seven-year-old in 2004. After a decade in the Man U system, Wyke changed his focus to education, eventually making his way to Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He made 46 appearances for the NCAA Division III side in 2015-16, scoring 11 goals and four assists before transferring to Furman University. In two seasons at Furman, Wyke scored 16 goals and added five assists.

Following college, Wyke took part in the 2018 MLS Combine and was signed by Atlanta United 2. He made 29 appearances during the 2019 USL Championship season, scoring three goals. Wyke made seven appearances for Atlanta United in MLS in the shortened 2020 season, then joined Tampa Bay for the 2021-22 seasons. He played in 64 matches for the Rowdies, scoring three goals and helping the team win the 2021 Regular Season Title by allowing just 23 goals in 32 matches.

Transaction: Rising signs defender Laurence Wyke
Name: Laurence Wyke
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 181
DOB: September 20, 1996 (27)
Birthplace: Bolton, England
Hometown: Bolton, England
Previous Club: Nashville SC

Phoenix Rising FC has signed 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot Winner Rémi Cabral on loan from Colorado Rapids, the club announced today.

“From my side, I only know bad things about coming to play Phoenix,” said Cabral. “I had awful experiences. The first time I came here, we lost 4-0. The second was 6-1. As an opponent, Phoenix is a difficult place to play, a tough team with a true fan base. I know about Phoenix. They’re a top team in USL. Last year they won the league, which means everything. When I knew they wanted me, it was easy for me to say yes.”  

Cabral capped last season by scoring three goals for Colorado Rapids 2 in a 22-minute span of the second half to win, 4-2, vs. Minnesota United 2 on September 25. The hat-trick forced a three-way tie in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race. Cabral finished the season with 19 goals in just 1,410 minutes of regular-season action, making his goal output per 90-minutes played, 1.217.

“I was trying not to think about the golden boot race but everyone knew,” said Cabral. “Two days prior to the game, MLS Next posted an article about the golden boot race. Everyone saw I was two goals behind so all they said to me that week was “a trick is coming.” It was the first time I’ve scored three goals in a game.”

Cabral began his professional career as a 17-year-old with the reserve side of Paris Saint-Germain in 2016. He appeared 30 times, scoring five goals between stints with French Championnat National 3 sides Valenciennes II and Metz II before joining LA Galaxy II for the 2021 season.

“Remi offers both sides of what we are looking for in a player in his position,” said Phoenix Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “He adds a dynamic element to the group because of his physical attributes but he also plays well and combines with his teammates. Remi is coming off a 19-goal season, so I expect him to come in with confidence. Equally significant, I’ve heard nothing but good things about him as a person and a teammate.”

Cabral scored eight goals in 56 USL Championship appearances during the 2021-22 seasons but blossomed when last season when Rapids 2 asked him to transition into playing as a forward.

“I had been playing more as an attacking midfielder with LA Galaxy II,” said Cabral. “I always felt I had more finishing ability in me and last season, when I joined Colorado, they asked me to play as a nine. I was like ‘why not?’ During training I always leaned towards playing more as a nine. In my first season at that position, I was fortunate enough to win the golden boot.”

“I’m a technical player with speed,” added Cabral, when asked about his playing style. “I can put the ball in the back of the net, but my first thing is to play well. I grew up with the mentality of needing to play well, not just kick the ball and run though, but play the right way, enjoy combining with your teammates and of course, don’t forget to score goals.”

Transaction: Rising signs forward Rémi Cabral
Name: Rémi Cabral
Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 174
DOB: July 10, 1999 (24)
Birthplace: Paris, France
Hometown: Paris, France
Previous Club: Colorado Rapids 2

Phoenix Rising midfielder Carlos Harvey has been transferred to Major League Soccer side, Minnesota United for an undisclosed fee, the club announced today.

“Carlos was an integral part of what we were able to achieve as a club last year,” said Head Coach Danny Stone. “A versatile player that can fit into several roles at the MLS level, he deserves this opportunity to move on to his next challenge. We send him with all our best wishes and hope he has nothing but success.”

Harvey, who turns 24 next week, joined Rising on February 7, 2023. He scored five goals in 34 appearances, helping to lead Phoenix to its first USL Championship title. Harvey added two goals in U.S. Open Cup play, finishing the season with seven goals and six assists across all competitions.

Harvey took his game to the next level in the postseason, playing 405 minutes in four matches and setting up two goals scored by Danny Trejo in the first two rounds.

“The truth is Phoenix Rising prepared me very well and in the best way possible to face this new challenge,” said Harvey. “Thanks to all my teammates and the technical staff, front office, and medical staff… All who prepared me in the best way for me to succeed. I am also very happy and very grateful to all the fans here in Phoenix. The entire city treated me in the best way possible. They made me feel at home.”

Harvey began his career with Tauro FC of the Panamanian first division in October of 2018. He joined LA Galaxy on loan from Tauro ahead of the 2019 season and played 19 matches for LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship that season, scoring two goals. Harvey completed his transfer to the Galaxy in February of 2019 and made 10 MLS appearances for the MLS side in 2020-21.

During his time with LA, Harvey added 56 matches of USL Championship experience and six goals to his resume, while playing with Los Dos. He has appeared four times for the Panamanian National Team, scoring in one of two games last season. His international debut came against the U.S. Men’s National Team at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on January 27, 2019.

Transaction: Rising transfers Carlos Harvey to MLS side, Minnesota United
Name: Carlos Harvey
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
DOB: February 3, 2000 (23)
Birthplace: Panama City, Panama
Hometown: Panama City, Panama

Phoenix Rising FC has re-signed goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo on loan from Club Atlético Lanús of the Argentine first division, pending receipt of his ITC, the club announced today.

“Rocco was a tremendous addition for us last season,” said Phoenix Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “We knew of his ability to help us build out of the back before he arrived, but he excelled in that area beyond our expectations. His personality made him a massive connector within the team. Being so young, we only expect that will grow. We expect the competition between him and Patrick [Rakovsky] to be just as intense it was last season.”

Novo, 21, saved two of Charleston’s five attempts in the penalty shootout to lead Rising to its first USL Championship title last season. He started 36 matches in league play, making a league-high 116 saves and recording seven shutouts.

“The team transformed into a great group throughout last season,” said Rocco. “We overcame good moments and bad moments, which made us stronger when it came to playing important games like in the playoffs or the final. The fact the team knows each other well is now a great advantage for us. We are going to work very hard during the year to try to match what we did last season and to be able to continue giving joy and memorable moments to the fans.”

Elite in his ability as a goalkeeper to play out of the back, Rios Novo ranked 29^th overall amongst all players, regardless of position, in passes completed in the league during the regular season (1,285) with a 88.56 percent accuracy rate.

Rios Novo led Argentina’s Youth National Teams at the U15 level and at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup before being loaned to Atlanta United of Major League Soccer in 2021. He made 22 appearances for Atlanta’s USL Championship affiliate in 2021-22, making 75 saves, earning one shutout and stopping two penalty kicks. Rios Novo finished his 2022 campaign with Atlanta United with two shutouts and 40 saves in 16 appearances.

Following Phoenix’s USL Championship, Rios Novo joined Argentina’s U23 team in preparation for this Summer’s Olympic games.

“Representing my country is something very special,” said Rios Novo. “This offseason, I was lucky enough to appear in four or five friendly matches with the team.”

Transaction: Rising re-signs goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo on loan from Lanús
Name: Rocco Ríos Novo
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155
DOB: June 4, 2002 (21)
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Hometown: Argentina

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.