PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Monday it had appointed Juan Guerra as its new Head Coach, bringing Guerra back to the club at which he served as an assistant coach a season ago. The announcement follows the finalization of an agreement with Oakland Roots SC, where Guerra had previously served as Head Coach this season.

Guerra initially joined Rising FC as an assistant coach on March 8, 2021 and helped Phoenix finish first in the Pacific Division and with the best record in the USL Championship’s Western Conference at 20-5-7. Rising FC won its division by 15 points and led the USL Championship in goals (68). Following the season, Guerra accepted the head coaching position at Oakland Roots SC on Dec. 30, where this season he had led the side to a 6-7-12 record, one place ahead of Rising FC in the current Western Conference standings.  

“I’m excited for the opportunity to return to Phoenix Rising,” said Guerra. “My time in Oakland was short but I will forever be thankful to their community, fan base, organization and most importantly the players and staff. I intend to get to work immediately with the goal of helping Phoenix to reach the playoffs. There is a lot of work to be done and no time to waste. My family and I cannot wait to reunite with our fans and the community.”

Guerra previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach with USL Championship club Indy Eleven, following a playing career that saw him record almost 200 professional appearances at the club level and compete for his native Venezuela in FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying.

“We were fortunate to interview a number of highly qualified candidates for our head coach position,” said Rising FC General Manager Bobby Dulle. “Naturally, Juan was at the top of our list because of his excellent service to our club last year as assistant coach. I really appreciate the leadership at Oakland Roots SC working with us to make this possible.”