PHOENIX — USL Championship soccer has been in the spotlight this week, and Phoenix Rising will have the opportunity to dive into the new attention when they face El Paso Locomotive FC and its newest addition: Cristo Fernández.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“I just want to tell the story that it is never too late to accomplish your dreams. There are very crazy dreams, and I consider myself a crazy man, so that’s why it makes sense to be here with the Locos, here in El Paso.”
Cristo Fernández talks about transitioning from starring… pic.twitter.com/7Hr4TcJABZ
— Sam Guzman (@SamGuzmanTV) May 14, 2026
Fernández, best known for playing Dani Rojas on the hit TV show Ted Lasso, signed with El Paso earlier this week in pursuit of a lifelong dream — becoming a professional soccer player. While celebrity signings can sometimes feel like publicity stunts, Fernández has made it clear he wants to earn his place on the field.
That matters for both the league and Rising as USL Championship soccer continues to grow in the United States.
May 3, 2024; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder Marco Micaletto (22) attempts a free kick against Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Carl-Fred Sainte (6) and midfielder Noble Okello (8) and forward Dariusz Formella (29) and forward Remi Cabral (91) and forward Ihsan Sacko (9) in the first half at Weidner Field. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC
For years, Rising has been one of the USL Championship’s flagship clubs, drawing strong crowds and winning the league title in 2023. Matches involving high-profile figures like Fernández create attention that extends beyond traditional soccer audiences. Introducing new fans to clubs such as Phoenix helps validate the league’s growing profile.
Fans will get the chance to watch Rising take on the Ted Lasso star when the club travels to El Paso next month, and the atmosphere should feel bigger than a typical regular-season match. Fernández’s presence is expected to draw additional media coverage, traveling fans and curiosity from casual viewers because of his Hollywood connection.
Oct 25, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Cristo Fernandez, of Ted Lasso, on the sidelines prior to a match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
But for Phoenix, the objective remains the same: collecting points on the road against a conference rival.
A decade ago, it would have been difficult to imagine an internationally recognized television star choosing the league to pursue a professional soccer career. Now, players, fans and clubs alike will benefit from the increased attention.
El Paso Locomotive FC against Phoenix Rising FC in the opening round of the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas, Saturday, November 1, 2025. Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre/El Paso Locomotive FC
And if Rising delivers a result in front of that attention, even better.
Phoenix Rising and El Paso Locomotive FC face off Saturday, June 13, at 6 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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