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Enjoy listening to Darnell’s playlist ahead of tonight’s match to get you ready.

1. Summer Too Hot – Chris Brown
2. Fling – Ding Dong
3. Miracle Maker – Dom Dolla
4. So Fresh and So Clean – OutKast
5. Hustlin’ – Rick Ross
6. Temperature – Sean Paul

Rising travels to Monterey Bay this Saturday at 7 p.m. on Arizona’s Family Sports

Phoenix Rising FC has signed versatile defender Ryan Flood, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

“Ryan is a player with a strong connection to Phoenix Rising,” said Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “His familiarity with the club, with the league, with the city and with me as a coach is a positive thing for a smooth and quick integration into the group. He is a player who can play multiple roles as needed. He possesses both good athleticism and good quality. He gained some valuable experience in Ireland, competing in a different style of play, which has helped his development as a player.”

Flood initially signed with Rising on March 31, 2021. He appeared in 36 matches over two seasons, totaling 2,049 minutes. He scored a rocket of a goal in a 3-1 loss in El Paso on Aug. 27, 2022.

“I am fortunate to have a good relationship with the club and the fans so the opportunity to come back home to play here again is unbelievable,” said Flood. “It’s going to be a great year to come back. It’s a great group of people and players. I’m excited.”

Flood, 25, grew up playing youth soccer in Arizona. He starred at Corona del Sol High School in nearby Tempe. Following high school, Flood traveled to Brazil and Japan in pursuit of a pro career before returning to play for FC Arizona. Flood was the co-leading scorer for FC Arizona in 2020.

He spent the 2023 season with Finn Harps of the League of Ireland’s first division, scoring 14 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.

“I feel like I learned a different way to play football,” said Flood. “It was a lot more physical. There was a lot of passion. I was playing a lot higher up the field. I was put in the position to be the guy to score goals and get assists.”

“Credit to [Finn Harps],” added Flood. “They allowed me to come home and work through some personal stuff. They made it nice for me to be able to come home and be closer to family. Last year was a great experience, to go play and see that part of the World, but I consider this club family. Everyone wants to be a winner here.”

Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC Signs Ryan Flood
Name: Ryan Flood
Position: Left Back
DOB: October 17, 1998 (25)
HT: 6-2
WT: 177
Born: Scottsdale, Arizona
Hometown: Tempe, Arizona
Twitter: @floodabk

The United Soccer League released today its national television broadcast schedule for the 2024 USL Championship season, which features defending champion Phoenix Rising FC five times. Phoenix will also appear on CBS 5 throughout Arizona when it hosts Oakland Roots on Saturday, March 23. Kickoff time for that game has been moved up 30 minutes, to 7 p.m., in order to match the available broadcast window.

Six additional matches will be simulcast locally on both 3TV and Arizona’s Family Sports, beginning with the club’s 2024 home opener vs. Birmingham Legion, Saturday, March 9. Fans can click here to see viewing options for Arizona’s Family Sports. All matches broadcast on one of Arizona’s Family networks are available via the AZFamily App.

USL announced earlier today that ESPN will remain a broadcast partner of the league for a ninth season in 2024, which also allows Rising fans to catch all matches not being broadcast nationally, with an ESPN+ subscription.

This season will see a record number of national broadcasts for the USL, with 35 combined regular season and playoff matches to be televised across the league’s two national media rights partners: CBS Sports and ESPN.

Rising will host the Charleston Battery in a rematch of the 2023 USL Championship Final on ESPN2 on Saturday, June 22. A lot has changed since that match last November, with both undergoing impactful roster and coaching changes. Each side has reinforced during the offseason, including the Battery adding two-time Championship All-League selection Aaron Molloy in midfield and Phoenix bringing aboard 19-year-old Italian youth international Guilio Dorattioto from Juventus’ Academy, as both teams takes aim at a similar charge back to the USL Championship Final this November. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Western Conference Classic on CBS; Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC Two Western Conference heavyweights go head-to-head as Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC hosts Phoenix Rising FC on CBS on Saturday, August 3. Fans can expect beauty on and off the pitch at the recently built Weidner Field with downtown Colorado Springs as the backdrop to two of the top attacking sides in the league. The Switchbacks recently added a major piece to their frontline with the acquisition of 2021 USL Championship Final MVP Ronaldo Damus, while Rising FC will look to keep the attack quiet with Argentina U-23 international goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo minding the net after earning USL Championship Final MVP honors last season. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.

USL Championship Final on nate with each league’s Final airing on CBS platforms. During the postseason, one game per weekend will air on CBS Sports Network throughout the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. The USL Championship Final will then make its network television debut on Saturday, November 23, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on CBS. The USL League One Final will be televised on CBS Sports Network, date and kickoff time TBD.

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.