PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Tuesday the club had acquired forward Dariusz Formella via transfer from fellow USL Championship club Oakland Roots SC. In a corresponding transaction, Rising FC transferred midfielder Baboucarr Njie to Roots SC. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.

Formella has recorded six goals in 19 matches for Oakland this season, placing him second on the team. The 27-year-old has scored 27 goals and eight assists in 105 USL Championship appearances since joining Sacramento Republic FC prior to the 2019 season.

“This acquisition gives us depth at the forward position and allows us to adapt according to game plans,” said Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra. “Dariusz is a great player. He is someone who will make an immediate impact for us.”

A native of Gdynia, Poland, Formella began his career in 2012 with Arka Gdynia in the Polish Second Division and was signed one year later by Lech Pozan of the Polish First Division. He made 98 appearances for Lech Pozan across all competitions before spending time with both Rakow Czestochowa and Pogon Szczecin during his 2017-18 season.