Phoenix Rising FC signed defender Juan Carlos Azocar on December 15, 2023.
“I am very happy to be join the reigning champions of the USL,” said Azocar. “For me it is an honor and a pleasure to share this upcoming year with the fans, the teammates I already know and the ones I will soon meet. You’ll see a player that works hard. I will always try to give it my all for the city, the fans, the families and my teammates families. I hope to be part of a great year and repeat another championship.”
Azocar, 28, began his career as a 16-year-old for Venezuelan first division side Aragua in 2011. Between 2011 and 2019, the left-sided back played 196 matches, scoring 17 goals in the Primera División Venezolana before signing with Armenian Premier League side Urartu in 2019.
Azocar scored two goals in 11 matches for Urartu before joining USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC in 2020. He scored one goal for RGV in just 126 minutes of action during the shortened 2020 season. Azocar netted another six goals in 27 matches for the Toros the following season before joining former Rising head coach Juan Guerra in Oakland for the 2022 season.
Azocar enjoyed a breakout season under Guerra in 2022, scoring 10 goals in 35 matches. He signed with San Antonio last season, playing 565 minutes in league play.
Name: Juan Carlos Azocar
Pronunciation: Azz-o-car
Position: Defender
DOB: October 1, 1995 (28)
Born: Maracay, Venezuela
Height: 5-9
Weight: 160 lbs
