Phoenix Rising FC is an American professional soccer club based in Chandler, Arizona, which competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of the American soccer pyramid. The club was founded in 2014 as Arizona United SC and was rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2016. It plays its home matches at Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass.
History
Founding and Early Years (2014–2015) The club was founded in 2014 as Arizona United SC when businessman Kyle Eng purchased the franchise rights from the struggling Phoenix FC of the USL Pro (now USL Championship). Arizona United SC inherited many of Phoenix FC's players and staff and began play in the 2014 season. The team initially played its home games at Peoria Sports Complex. During its first two seasons, Arizona United SC struggled to gain significant traction, both on the field and in terms of attendance.Rebranding and New Ownership (2016) In 2016, a new ownership group led by Brett Johnson acquired the club and initiated a complete overhaul. The club was officially rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC on November 25, 2016, along with the unveiling of a new crest, colors, and a significant investment plan. The rebrand aimed to connect more deeply with the Phoenix metropolitan area and establish a competitive, high-profile team. A key part of the new ownership's strategy was to build a dedicated soccer-specific stadium.
Rise to Prominence (2017–Present) The 2017 season marked a turning point for Phoenix Rising FC. The club announced the signing of former Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba in April 2017, who also joined the club's ownership group. Drogba's arrival brought international attention and significantly boosted the team's profile and attendance. Phoenix Rising moved into its new temporary, purpose-built stadium in Scottsdale (later moved to Chandler/Wild Horse Pass), which offered an improved fan experience.
Under coach Patrice Carteron (and later Rick Schantz), the club quickly became a formidable force in the USL Championship.
- 2017: Finished 5th in the Western Conference and reached the Western Conference Final.
- 2019: Had a record-breaking season, winning the USL Championship Regular Season title with an unprecedented 20-game winning streak, an all-time professional soccer record in the United States. They finished with 78 points but were upset in the conference semifinals.
- 2020: Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix Rising won the Western Conference title, advancing to the USL Championship Final, which was ultimately canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test within their opponent's squad.
- 2023: Phoenix Rising FC won the USL Championship, defeating Charleston Battery in the final, securing their first league title.
Club Identity
Colors and Crest Phoenix Rising FC's primary colors are red, black, and white. The current crest features a stylized phoenix rising from flames, symbolizing rebirth and resilience, with the club's name prominently displayed. The imagery is a direct nod to the city of Phoenix and its mythological namesake.Stadium Phoenix Rising FC currently plays its home matches at Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. The stadium is a purpose-built soccer-specific venue, designed to provide an intimate and energetic atmosphere for fans. Prior to this, the club played at various locations, including Peoria Sports Complex (as Arizona United SC) and earlier iterations of their dedicated stadium in Scottsdale.
Achievements
- USL Championship
- Champions: 2023
- Runners-up: 2020
- USL Championship Regular Season
- Winners: 2019
- USL Championship Western Conference
- Winners: 2017, 2020, 2023