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Passion fuels Phoenix Rising FC moves ahead of 2025 season

Phoenix Rising FC goalkeeper Rios Novo (1) leaps to make a save against the Charleston Battery FC at Phoenix Rising Stadium on June 22, 2024.

Established in 2016, the Phoenix Rising FC is Arizona’s highest-level professional soccer franchise. Risings’ accomplishments speak volumes of its success and what it means to embody a Phoenix.  “To inspire change and rise as one, igniting transformation through soccer,” Rising states this as the mission of their organization. While the team continues to inspire a driving force igniting soccer fans undoubtedly, where does the fuel force behind the Risings’ success come from? Is it simply the accomplishments that bring more passion to the game?

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Phoenix Rising FC accomplishments:

  •  2023 USL Championship Winners
  • 2023 Western Conference Champions
  • 2020 Western Conference Champions
  • 2019 Regular Season Champions
  •  2018 Western Conference Champions
  • Longest win streak in North American soccer history

Team Todos Rojos has a 20-game win streak which is still the longest in Northern America history and it is because of footballers past and present that contribute to such success. Rising made moves to its roster today and announced the team retained the 2023 NCAA Most Outstanding Defensive Player defender Pape Mar Boye. Boye who previously declined a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer prior to the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and opted to sign with Phoenix Rising FC instead, will remain with the team in 2025.

“We are extremely proud of Pape’s recognition as one of the best young players in the league,” said Bobby Dulle, Phoenix Rising FC President. “His defensive contributions have been vital to our success this season, and he has truly emerged as one of the league’s top defenders. Watching his talent evolve since his arrival in January has been a rewarding experience, and we are excited for the bright future that lies ahead for Pape.”

Along with the Second Team All-League defender Pape Mar Boye the club exercised contract options for Emil Cuello, Gabi Torres, Ryan Flood, and JP Scearce. Contract options were declined for Alejandro Fuenmayor and Renzo Zambrano, the Phoenix Rising FC released today.

Recently the team welcomed a new head coach Pa-Modou Kah giving an extensive background detail over Kah’s soccer career internationally and nationally stemming from 1998, not to mention making history for being the first black player to represent Norway’s national team. Kah speaks seven languages and obtained a building engineer degree while playing professionally in Norway.

“I’m looking forward to working with this group of players we have returning for the 2025 season who have demonstrated their commitment, skill, and resilience, which will form the foundation of our success moving forward,” said Phoenix Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah. “Each one brings a unique quality to the team, and together, they embody the drive and passion that define Phoenix Rising. We’re building on something special here, and I believe this core group will set the standard for the culture and competitiveness we want to establish this upcoming season.”

2025 Phoenix Rising FC Roster (as of Nov 26, 2024):

  • Goalkeepers (0):
  • Defenders (6): Edgardo Rito, Emil Cuello, Gabi Torres, Mohamed Traore, 
  • Pape Mar Boye, Ryan Flood
  • Midfielders (3): Charlie Dennis, Giulio Doratiotto, JP Scearce
  • Forwards (3): Darius Johnson, Dariusz Formella, Jearl Margaritha

Under contract:

  • Charlie Dennis
  • Darius Johnson
  • Dariusz Formella
  • Edgardo Rito
  • Giulio Doratiotto
  • Jearl Margaritha
  • Mohamed Traore
  • Pape Mar Boye

Options picked up:

  • Emil Cuello
  • Gabi Torres
  • JP Scearce
  •  Ryan Flood

“…As the Phoenix Rising FC move forward into the new season, we wish them all the best in their future endeavors and will continue to make thoughtful decisions with an eye toward building a strong team for the future,” said Phoenix Rising President Bobby Dulle.

Phoenix Risings’ roster moves were to gear up ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season, where lack of preparation is not apparent but drive to get the best roster is. As for the fuel behind the flame, that starts with the teams’ organizational foundation. Phoenix Rising strength stems from community and growing the sport of soccer in a united way, with the drive and passion of unity. Undeniably the way the team injects the football club with positivity, diversity, and inspires all people to ignite the flame inside shines more than only the accomplishments.

Bring the passion out to see the Phoenix Rising FC next season and visit the website for future schedule and ticket information.

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Jacqline Rhodes is a writer for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X via @JackieRhodes_

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