Phoenix Rising FC and Head Coach Rick Schantz Mutually Agree to Part Ways

August 17, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Phoenix Rising FC News Release

Phoenix Rising FC and head coach Rick Schantz have mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced today.

“I want to thank the owners, staff and especially all the players I was fortunate to work with these past five years,” said Schantz. “I have put my heart and soul into Phoenix Rising. It’s now time to turn over this amazing club to a fresh voice. I will forever remember the great moments we’ve had together.”

Initially tagged as interim head coach of Phoenix Rising on June 10, 2018, Schantz led the club to a record of 80-34-21 across all competitions including two Western Conference Championships and one Regular Season Title in five seasons. Schantz was Named Coach of the Year in the USL Championship in 2019 after leading Phoenix to a regular-season record of 24-4-6 that included a record-setting, 20-game win streak. Under his guidance, Rising has had 10 players named to the USL All-League teams, including two golden boot winners and a back-to-back USL Championship MVP.

“Rick Schantz raised the bar to a whole new level, not only for Phoenix Rising but the entire USL Championship,” said Phoenix Rising FC General Manager Bobby Dulle. “The 20-game win streak, two conference titles, being the highest-scoring team in North America in each of the past three seasons – the success Rick helped this club achieve is astounding. I want to thank him on behalf of our owners, front office and fans for everything he accomplished at Phoenix Rising. We all wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Assistant coach Danny Stone will lead the team in the interim until the club names a new head coach.

Rising is currently just five points out of a playoff position with 10 matches left to play in the regular season. The team is on a bye this week, before traveling to El Paso to face Locomotive FC next Saturday, August 27 (6:30 p.m.). Fans can click here to secure tickets for Rising’s next home match on Wednesday, August 31 (7:30 p.m.) vs. Rio Grande Valley at Wild Horse Pass.

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