PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Saturday the club had signed MLS veteran midfielder Matt Watson for the 2017 season. The signing is pending league and federation approval, and per club policy, the terms of the deal are not public.

“I’ve had the chance to work with Matt and love what he’ll bring to our club,” said Rising FC Head Coach Frank Yallop. “We are fortunate to add Matt’s depth and experience to an already impressive roster of talented players.”

From 2012 to 2015, Watson played in Major League Soccer, first with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and then with the Chicago Fire. In four MLS seasons, Watson appeared in 76 matches, scoring a goal and collecting three assists.

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Watson began his professional career in 2006, when he made his debut with the USL’s Richmond Kickers. He appeared in 41 matches and scored 10 goals with the club before moving on to the Carolina RailHawks in 2008. In 2011, he won a championship with the RailHawks.  Watson returned to North Carolina last season, where he was a teammate of current Phoenix Rising FC forward Omar Bravo. He appeared in 29 matches and scored three goals.