PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Tuesday that midfielder Collin Fernandez would return for the 2019 season. The former U.S. U20 international will enter his second season with the club having started each of Rising FC’s contests in the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs.

“I’m very excited to be back in Phoenix playing in front of the best fans in the league,” Fernandez said. “I can’t wait to see everyone in 2019 and to work toward our goal of bringing a cup back to Phoenix.”

Fernandez played 1,428 minutes in 21 appearances for Rising FC in the 2018 USL Championship season as he recorded two goals, three assists, and 21 key passes. The holding midfielder made a solid tandem with Jamaican midfielder Kevon Lambert throughout the postseason as he recorded 22 possession recoveries and 15 duels won during the club’s run to the 2018 USL Cup.

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A former Homegrown signing by the Chicago Fire, Fernandez had previously led Tulsa Roughnecks FC to the USL Cup Playoffs during the 2017 season as he joined the club on loan. The 21-year-old was named to the 2017 USL 20 Under 20 while with the Roughnecks and has made 52 appearances all-time in the USL following previous loan spells with Louisville City FC in 2015 and Saint Louis FC in 2016.