(PHOENIX) June 20, 2017 – Phoenix Rising FC forward Didier Drogba was named to the United Soccer League Team of the Week for Week 13. Drogba becomes the fifth different player this season to receive the honor. Midfielder Luke Rooney had been named to the Team of the Week twice, for Week 3 and Week 5. Shaun Wright-Phillips was named to the Team of the Week for Week 8. Jason Johnson was on the Team of the Week for Week 10. And last week, Defender Amadou Dia was named to the Team of the Week for Week 12.

Drogba helped Phoenix Rising FC steal a point on the road against Swope Park Rangers on Sunday, June 18. He scored a brace in the 2-2 draw. His first goal came during the run of play when his shot beat the keeper to the inside of the far left post to equalize 1-1. His second goal was a picture-perfect penalty shot, again beating the keeper with a shot inside the left post.

Phoenix Rising FC returns home this Saturday, June 24, to take on the red-hot Real Monarchs. The visitors come to Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex riding a league-record nine-match winning streak. Tickets for the match can be purchased at www.PHXRisingFC.com, Fans can also watch on television on YurView Arizona, Cox channels 7 & 1007 (HD) or on the club’s website at www.PHXRisingFC.com.

About Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history. Legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, Kona Grill CEO Berke Bakay and an impressive collection of business leaders and international celebrities, own the club.  Established in 2013, Phoenix Rising FC enters its fourth year in the United Soccer League, which has been awarded Division 2 status by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Major League Soccer (MLS) recently announced Phoenix Rising FC as among 12 applicants being considered for a MLS Expansion Franchise. Phoenix Rising FC sold-out all six home matches played so far during the 2017 USL season with standing room only crowds in its new, soccer-specific stadium located at the northwest corner of the 101 and 202 freeways in south Scottsdale.

For more information about the club, visit the team's website at PhxRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC), Snapchat (PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub). For season tickets or single-game tickets call (623) 594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com.

About USL
The USL is the world’s largest Division II professional soccer league, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.

In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.

A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Nashville SC is the first club set to join the league for 2018. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.