(PHOENIX) June 11, 2018 – Phoenix Rising FC today announced that effective immediately Head Coach Patrice Carteron is leaving the Club for the same position at Al Ahly SC of the Egyptian Premier League.

Founded in 1907, Al Ahly SC has a record of 40 national titles, 36 national cups and 10 national super cups making it the most decorated club in Egypt. In international competitions, the club has won a record 8 CAF Champions League titles, a CAF Confederation Cup title, a record 6 CAF Super Cup titles, a record 4 African Cup Winners' Cup titles, an Afro-Asian Club Championship title, an Arab Club Champions Cup title, and a record 2 Arab Super Cup titles. Al Ahly also won the bronze medal in the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup.

“I am incredibly proud of my staff and players for their dedication and hard work to achieving such unprecedented success as a new professional soccer team,” said Carteron. “The empowerment from Phoenix Rising FC Governor Berke Bakay and the entire ownership group, and support from the amazing fanshas been truly fantastic. I will forever remain among Phoenix Rising FC’s biggest fans.”

Carteron departs after one calendar year of leading Phoenix Rising FC. Carteron led the club to a USL playoff appearance in 2017 and is the all-time club leader in points earned (71 points) while also being tied for all-time wins (20 wins). Carteron is also responsible for the club’s longest unbeaten run of 11 matches.

“Having Patrice at the helm of Phoenix Rising FC during our most important formative year has laid the foundation for decades of success,” said Phoenix Rising FC Governor Berke Bakay. “He deserves this opportunity to lead one of the world’s largest soccer teams, and they are extremely fortunate to have him as their new head coach.”

Rick Schantz has been appointed the interim Head Coach and will be at the helm when Phoenix Rising FC hosts Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday night.

“We have full confidence in Rick and our coaching staff to lead our team forward and accomplish the same goals we set for the club at the beginning of the year, which is to win the USL Cup,” said Bakay. “Rick has benefitted from studying under Patrice for the past year and is the right leader to guide our club forward for the remainder of the season.”

About Phoenix Rising FC

Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history. The club is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Kona Grill CEO, Berke Bakay, and an impressive collection of business leaders and international celebrities. Established in 2016, Phoenix Rising FC is one of 10 cities applying for Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion and currently plays in the United Soccer League, the largest Division 2 professional league in the world. In October 2017, Phoenix Rising FC acquired Premier Development League (PDL) side FC Tucson. For season tickets or more information call 602.900.0083 or visit PHXRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC), Snapchat (PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub).