PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC has signed defender Juan Carlos Azócar ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season, reuniting the Venezuelan with current Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra for the new campaign. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Azócar has recorded 80 appearances in the USL Championship since arriving in the league in 2020 with Rio Grande Valley FC and has notched 17 goals and six assists in 5,469 minutes of action. The 28-year-old had previously competed in his native country’s top flight, and in the Armenian Premier League before joining the Toros.

“I am very happy to be join the reigning champions of the USL,” said Azócar. “For me it is an honor and a pleasure to share this upcoming year with the fans, the teammates I already know and the ones I will soon meet. You’ll see a player that works hard. I will always try to give it my all for the city, the fans, the families and my teammates families. I hope to be part of a great year and repeat another championship.”

After two seasons with the Toros, Azócar had a breakout season in 2022 with Oakland Roots SC, where Guerra was Head Coach for much of the campaign. Azócar recorded 10 goals and one assist in 35 appearances as he helped Roots SC reach the USL Championship Playoffs. This past campaign, he competed for San Antonio FC, where he had two assists in 16 appearances.

“I’m very happy to be reunited with Juan Carlos,” said Guerra. “He is a very talented player that has had a lot of success in this league already. He is also a great human being that understands what it takes to keep standards high. He’ll be an important piece for us on and off the field next year. I am excited to get started working with him again next season.”

Analysis

Juan Carlos Azócar is listed as a defender, but it seems likely he’ll be employed further up the field as he arrives in Phoenix – as he did when last working with Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra in 2022 in Oakland. That season, he worked primarily as a left-sided wingback and as a left winger in a three-man front line alongside 2022 Championship All-League selection Óttar Magnús Karlsson.

With his quality on the ball in wide areas, Azócar should prove a solid fit, particularly if Rising FC continues with its three-man defensive line into the new campaign. After a down year at San Antonio FC that was hampered by injuries, the change of scenery may also help him return to his top form.