PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC opens a new era in the club’s history on Saturday night with a sellout crowd set to make the debut of the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex a memorable one as the side welcomes Toronto FC II. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Matchcenter: http://bit.ly/2nwDjXP | Tickets: Sold Out | Broadcast: YurView Arizona (PHX)
Phoenix Rising FC news and notes
Current record: 0-0-0, 0pts
Rising FC enters the new season with a new brand and a new home after offseason changes brought about after its acquisition by an ownership group led by Berke Bakay, the President and CEO of Kona Grill.
Phoenix has made some major new signings for the new season, led by that of former Chivas de Guadalajara and Mexico standout Omar Bravo. The striker is Chivas’ all-time leader with 132 goals, and also made 65 appearances for El Tri during his illustrious career.
Also joining the side this offseason was former England international Shaun Wright-Phillips, who most recently played in MLS for the New York Red Bulls. A former member of Chelsea and Manchester City, Wright-Phillips appeared at two World Cups for England.
Other new additions to Head Coach Frank Yallop’s squad include MLS veterans Jordan Stewart, while a strong core led by Luke Rooney, Chris Cortez and Peter Ramage also return as the club looks for its first trip to the USL Cup Playoffs.
Toronto FC II news and notes
Current record: 0-0-0, 0pts
Toronto has looked to add experience ahead of its third season in the USL, with the club falling well short of a postseason berth in its first two seasons in the league.
Leading the newcomers to Head Coach Jason Bent’s squad is former New England Revolution defender Jordan McCrary, while goalkeeper Mark Pais arrived this offseason from Saint Louis FC.
A key to the club’s progression this season will be that of its strong young core, which saw five players including in Canada’s squad for the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship this offseason.
2016 USL 20 Under 20 selections Shaan Hundal and Malik Johnson are both back with the side, while midfielders Luca Uccello, Liam Fraser and Aidan Daniels could all play key roles after gaining experience with the club.
Series Notes
The inter-conference meeting will the first time Phoenix and Toronto square off in their histories.
Squads
Phoenix - GK: Carl Woszczynski, Josh Cohen; D: Victor Vasquez, Brock Granger, J.J. Greer, Uchenna Uzo, Peter Ramage, A.J. Gray, Jordan Stewart, Kody Wasaka; M: Romilio Hernandez, Miguel Timm, Blair Gavin, Luke Rooney, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Matt Watson; F: Omar Bravo, Alessandro Riggi, Jason Johnson, Mike Seth, Matt Hurlow-Paonessa, Chris Cortez
Toronto - GK: Mark Pais, Angelo Cavalluzzo; D: Brandon Onkony, Lars Eckenrode, Brandon Aubrey, Oyvind Alseth, Anthony Osorio, Jordan McCrary; M: Liam Fraser, Brian James, Jay Chapman, Marky Delgado, Luca Uccello, Malik Johnson, Aidan Daniels; F: Tsubah Endoh, Raheem Edwards, Ben Spencer, Ryan Telfer, Ricardo John, Shaan Hundal
Discipline
Phoenix – None
Toronto – Suspended: Mitchell Taintor
Officials
REF: RAMY TOUCHAN
AR1: Alicia Messer
AR2: Brandon Marshall
4TH: Robi Hullner
Game hashtag:
#PHXvTOR
Twitter social handles
Phoenix Rising FC – @PHXRisingFC
Toronto FC II – @TorontoFCII
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