PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Thursday the club had signed versatile defender Ryan Flood for the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“Ryan is a player with a strong connection to Phoenix Rising,” said Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “His familiarity with the club, with the league, with the city and with me as a coach is a positive thing for a smooth and quick integration into the group. He is a player who can play multiple roles as needed. He possesses both good athleticism and good quality. He gained some valuable experience in Ireland, competing in a different style of play, which has helped his development as a player.”

Flood initially signed with Rising on March 31, 2021. He appeared in 36 matches over two seasons, totaling 2,049 minutes while recording 45 interceptions, 128 recoveries and 45 clearances and winning 23 tackles at a success rate of 65.7 percent.

“I am fortunate to have a good relationship with the club and the fans so the opportunity to come back home to play here again is unbelievable,” said Flood. “It’s going to be a great year to come back. It’s a great group of people and players. I’m excited.”

Flood grew up playing youth soccer in Arizona. He starred at Corona del Sol High School in nearby Tempe. Following high school, the 25-year-old traveled to Brazil and Japan in pursuit of a pro career before returning to play for FC Arizona. Flood was the co-leading scorer for FC Arizona in 2020.

He spent the 2023 season with Finn Harps of the League of Ireland’s first division, scoring 14 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.

“I feel like I learned a different way to play football,” said Flood. “It was a lot more physical. There was a lot of passion. I was playing a lot higher up the field. I was put in the position to be the guy to score goals and get assists.”

“Credit to [Finn Harps],” added Flood. “They allowed me to come home and work through some personal stuff. They made it nice for me to be able to come home and be closer to family. Last year was a great experience, to go play and see that part of the World, but I consider this club family. Everyone wants to be a winner here.”