Celebrated International Soccer Coach Patrice Carteron Joins Phoenix Rising FC as New Head Coach

PHOENIX, May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Phoenix Rising Football Club announced its selection of former Mali National Men's Team manager Patrice Carteron as its new Head Coach.  Carteron replaces Frank Yallop, who resigned in April to rejoin his family in northern California.

Beginning his head-coaching career for AS Cannes, Carteron has achieved tremendous success during his eleven years as a manager.  Under his leadership:

• Dijon FCO was promoted to first division of the Ligue 1.
• Mali placed third in the Africa Cup of Nations and rose to a FIFA rank of 21.
• TP Mazembe won two league titles, three African Super Cup titles and one African Champions League title.
• Wadi Degla won 20 matches, tied four and lost only six during its 30-match season.
• And, most recently in 2017, Al Nassr finished third qualifying for the Asian Champion's League.

"Bringing Patrice Carteron to Phoenix Rising FC is another tremendous achievement for professional soccer in the United States," said Phoenix Rising FC Governor Berke Bakay.  "His holistic approach to the game combines a unique blend of strategy, wellness, and uncompromising competitiveness.  Patrice will bring the very best performance out of our players and nourish a new soccer culture for youth development in cooperation with our affiliate youth clubs throughout Arizona."

Prior to his career as a head coach, Carteron played at the highest levels of soccer in Europe.  During his 16-year career as a player, he performed in 416 matches and scored 31 goals.  Twice, Division 1 of the Ligue 1 named him "Defensive Right Back Player of the Year."

"Although I have many opportunities to continue coaching in the top leagues of Europe, I believe coming to Phoenix Rising FC will be the start of an historic story," said new Head Coach of Phoenix Rising FC Patrice Carteron.  "I am very impressed by the project and have a fantastic feeling about the ownership group, coaching staff and new stadium atmosphere.  My heart told me to pour my efforts into Phoenix Rising."

Carteron will be assuming Head Coach responsibilities from Interim Head Coach Rick Schantz and plans to join the team upon completing his responsibilities for his prior organization, which is estimated to be as early as Monday, June 5, 2017. 

Phoenix Rising FC will return to Phoenix from its current road trip for a third round U.S. Soccer Open Cup match against San Francisco Deltas on May 31^st at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium.  The match will kick off at 7:30pm. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.PHXRisingFC.com.

About Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona's history. Established in 2013, the club 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. All five of Phoenix Rising FC's home matches that have occurred so far during the 2017 season were played before a sold-out, standing room only crowd 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 the 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.

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SOURCE Phoenix Rising Football Club