January 24, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Phoenix Rising FC News Release
Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo with Atlanta United 2
(Phoenix Rising FC)
PHOENIX, Arizona – Phoenix Rising FC has signed goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo on loan from Club Atlético Lanús on the Argentine first division, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.
“Rocco comes to us having gained MLS experience last season,” said Rising head coach Juan Guerra. “He’s a player we’ve had an eye on for multiple years and seeing his growth in the past 12 months has been exciting. His experience with the youth national teams of Argentina has given him a strong winning mentality. His technical ability on the ball is top class. It will help us to build out of the back and play the style we want to play.”
Novo, 20, led Argentina’s Youth National Teams at the U15 level and at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup before being loaned to Atlanta United of Major League Soccer in 2021. Novo made 22 appearances for Atlanta’s USL Championship affiliate in 2021-22, making 75 saves, earning one shutout and stopping two penalty kicks. He made his MLS debut on June 19, 2022, earning a shutout against Miami after stopping all three shots he faced.
“I want to bring the best of my abilities to the team from the back,” said Ríos Novo. “One of my strengths is how well I can play with my feet. I want to bring clean sheets and many saves to this team.”
Novo finished his 2022 campaign with Atlanta United with two shutouts and 40 saves in 16 appearances.
Transaction: Rising signs goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo
Name: Rocco Ríos Novo
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155
DOB: June 4, 2002 (20)
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Hometown: Argentina
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