PHOENIX (December 18, 2019) —Phoenix Rising Football Club announced today that defender Darnell King has signed with the club for the 2020 season. Per club policy, the terms of the contract will not be made public.

“I couldn’t be more ready to join Phoenix Rising for the 2020 season,” King said. “The structure and winning mentality of the team speaks highly on how this club works. I am hoping my talents can help build off of what this team has already established. I am grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to get started to work with my new teammates and be a part of the community with an amazing fan atmosphere.”

King most recently played with USL Championship side Nashville SC. He appeared in 21 matches (1,675 minutes) and pitched in one assist during the 2019 season. King played a key role in allowing just 26 goals over the course of the regular season, the lowest goals against in the league last year.

The defender has spent two additional seasons in USL Championship. He spent the 2018 season with San Antonio FC (two goals and four assists in 32 matches) and the 2017 season with Tampa Bay Rowdies (one assists in 24 matches). King was also with the Rowdies in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 2015-2016.

The Florida native’s professional career began in his home state with NASL side Ft. Lauderdale Strikers in 2012. He scored six goals and added six assists in three seasons with the club.

With the addition of King, the club has 17 players officially signed for the 2020 USL Championship season.

2020 Phoenix Rising Roster

José Aguinaga

Solomon Asante

Jon Bakero

Jack Barmby

Kyle Bjornethun

Joey Calistri

A.J. Cochran

Joe Farrell

Junior Flemmings

Adam Jahn

Darnell King

Owusu-Ansah Kontor

Kevon Lambert

Austin Ledbetter

Zac Lubin

Santi Moar

Corey Whelan



About Phoenix Rising FC

Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history and the 2019 USL Regular Season Title Winners. The club also holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history at 20 matches. The club is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club governor Berke Bakay, and an impressive collection of business leaders and international celebrities. Established in 2016, Phoenix Rising FC is applying for Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion and currently plays in the USL Championship, the largest Division 2 professional league in the world. The team also owns FC Tucson, which brings USL League One professional soccer to Southern Arizona. For season tickets or more information call 623-594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play.