PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Friday it had acquired forward Tomás Ángel on loan from Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer for the remainder of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Ángel has five appearances and one goal in 47 minutes played with LAFC this season. The 21-year-old also has five appearances and three goals in MLS NEXT Pro in 305 minutes since joining LAFC from Colombian first division side Atlético Nacional on January 31, 2024.

“Tommy is going to be a great addition to the team,” said Rising Interim Head Coach Diego Gomez. “He is a player with a lot of talent that has come from a very high level in Colombia at a young age. Scoring three goals in the U20 World Cup with his national team speaks to his level of quality and talent. I am excited to work with him.

“He brings value to the team in an area we needed. We also hope to help him in his development and grow as a player. Our goal is that Phoenix Rising becomes an important step in his career.”

Ángel made 52 appearances, scored eight goals and added two assists across all competitions for Atlético Nacional between 2021 and 2023. During his time with Nacional, Ángel made four Copa Liberatores appearances, won two Colombian Cups, one league championship and the Superliga Colombiana (2023).

Additionally, he was a key player for Colombia at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring three times in five matches during the competition. Colombia won its group and advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Italy. In total, the forward scored five goals in 14 appearances at the Under-20 level for his country.

Analysis

Phoenix Rising FC has lacked a consistent attacking threat this season, scoring only 21 goals in 20 league contests. With the addition of Tomás Ángel, it’s hoping to address that with the young Colombian having shown a nose for goal both prior to and since his arrival at LAFC.

The 21-year-old has seen limited minutes for LAFC in the league, but Ángel’s per-90 minute numbers while competing for LAFC II seem positive enough to where he’ll make an impact on Rising’s bid to return to the postseason. What Phoenix will most care about is how lethal he can be in the penalty area, though, and with three goals on eight shots and 12 touches in the opposition penalty area across there’s a proposition being made that if Ángel gets opportunities, he’s going to make them count.