PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Friday it had transferred goalkeeper Ben Lundt to Major League Soccer side St. Louis City SC ahead of the 2023 season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and terms of the transfer agreement will not be disclosed.

“I’m very happy for Ben,” said Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra. “This clearly proves that when someone works hard and they combine their talent with work ethic, great things are achievable. This is an important move for Ben’s career. We’ll miss him here, but he is ready for the next level. I cannot wait to see him continue to grow and reach his full potential.”

The 2020 USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Year at Louisville City FC, Lundt initially joined Rising FC on loan from FC Cincinnati on May 6, 2021. The goalkeeper made nine appearances that year, earning four shutouts and recording 23 saves before his recall to the MLS side.

After signing a multi-year contract with Phoenix ahead of the 2022 season, Lundt was again nominated for the Championship’s Goalkeeper of the Year award as he led the league with 115 saves in the past campaign, posting nine shutouts in 33 appearances for the side.

“I’m thankful to have found a place like Rising,” said Lundt. “A place with a good set up where the players and coaches around you truly want to make you better and give you an opportunity. They’re able to open the door for you as a professional athlete. That is very important. It can shape your career and make you better as a person on and off the field. If you can find that set up, you can say you are very lucky.”