PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Thursday the club had signed center back Alex Araneda ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Araneda joins Rising as he returns to action after a preseason injury ruled him out of the 2024 campaign. He had previously competed with North Texas SC of MLS NEXT Pro, where he made 34 appearances and logged 1,703 minutes across the 2022 and 2023 season. The 22-year-old notched one assist while helping the side reach the 2022 MLSNP Playoffs.

“The club has been very welcoming-it's a positive environment where everyone pushes each other every day, so getting this opportunity with Phoenix means a lot,” said Araneda. “Last year, during preseason, I broke my leg and had to sit out, so I spent the past year preparing and getting back into shape to earn this chance and secure a contract. Now that I'm here, I'm ready to give everything, bring energy to the team, and make the most of this opportunity.”

A native of Montclair, Calif. Arenada has logged significant minutes in Rising's preseason matches so far, contributing defensively in friendlies against MLS sides San Diego FC, LAFC, and Charlotte FC.

Araneda began his professional career with California United Strikers FC in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), signing with the club in April 2021 at age 18. Primarily playing as a midfielder, he appeared in 25 matches and scored two goals. He spent the next two seasons with North Texas SC, where he worked alongside current Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah.

“When I first worked with Alex in North Texas, he was young and just entering the professional football world after previously playing in the NISA environment,” said Kah. “When we brought him in for a trial, I saw his growth both as a person and as a player-a mature player who understood his strengths and what he could contribute to his team.

“I believe in giving players a second opportunity, and when you work with him, you see how well he fits into this group. He's a young, ambitious center back with a lot of potential who can compete for minutes."