Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo maintains his sixth clean sheet of the season to keep El Paso Locomotive FC at bay during their 2-0 victory. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising)
PHOENIX – Under a new manager and paced by a new signing, Phoenix Rising got their first win Friday night since June 8, and it came after a month of ups and downs for the club. Still, questions and concerns continue to revolve around the organization that won the USL title last season.
In the first game since a road loss to San Antonio, interim head coach Diego Gómez earned his first win at the helm Friday, as Rising defeated El Paso 2-0 at Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium.
“Happy to come back home, happy to get the three points with a home crowd,” Gómez said. “I think we owe it to the fans. The team worked very hard for this and very happy we were able to win.”
The win moved Phoenix back into the playoff picture for the first time since the departure of Danny Stone, who was fired on June 29, ending his short stint as manager. Stone, appointed in January of this year, compiled a record of 5-6-6. He was a part of Rising coaching staff since March 2021, working as an assistant under Juan Guerra, who left in January to take an assistant coaching position for Houston Dynamo in the MLS. Stone played a vital role last season in helping bring an eventual USL Championship to Phoenix.
“Although my four years in Phoenix has come to an end and I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to keep pushing together for longer, I’m very appreciative of everyone who has given so much during my time with the club,” Stone said on X. “We’ve made some great memories together that I will always remember with pride. Wishing everyone at the club all the best in the future.”
Although Rising were not on top of the league when Stone was fired, they were in the playoff picture. Stone’s last game in charge was a 5-1 defeat at Memphis. Besides the one hiccup in the record, Phoenix had only lost one league game since late April.
The firing came as a shock, especially to many of the fans who are part of the Bandidos, a loyal supporters group that can be seen and heard behind the goal every home game.
“Thank you Danny for your tireless commitment to our club,” the Bandidos wrote on X. “We are in this situation due to the front office’s repeated lack of urgency to rebuild a successful team and addressing locker room egos. Thank you Coach Stone. Bobby Dulle & Co. GET OUT of our club.”
Dulle has been Rising president since being promoted from general manager in January 2023.
There is another question that has been brewing around starting winger Panos Armenakas, Phoenix’s leader in chances created (30). For the last couple games, Armenakas has been unable for selection, resulting in further questions from fans about what is happening in the locker room.
“Panos is still unavailable for selection tomorrow,” Gómez said. “It’s an internal matter, disciplinary issues. Right now I don’t want to focus too much on that. It was something that all the staff, the club and the team, teammates and players were brought in on the situation.”
Los Bandidos, Phoenix Rising’s loyal supporters group, display banners thanking former head coach Danny Stone for his dedication and contributions. (Photo by Jack Reeves/Cronkite News)
During the El Paso game, the Bandidos waved banners and porters that read, “thank you Danny Stone, siempre un bandido, siempre un campeón,” and “free Panos.”
Despite all the noise around the club, Rising were able to steady the ship and earn a much needed win at home.
JP Scearce, a local product out of Chaparral High School, scored his first of Rising’s two goals on the night.
“It’s exciting to get my first goal here at home in front of the fans, in front of my family,” Scearce said. “I’m just happy and happy we got the win in the end.”
A boost earlier in the week came on behalf of a new signing, midfielder Charlie Dennis. Dennis comes from Tampa Bay, where he was a 2023 USL Championship All-League selection, scoring 11 goals and adding three assists for the Rowdies.
Dennis was able to play immediately, as he signed a multi-year deal with the team last week. He is expected to slot into the team quickly, as Phoenix is dealing with injuries and suspensions. His first appearance came Friday after halftime.
“He’s a midfielder with a lot of power to score,” Gómez said. “I think he can play as an eight or as a 10 depending on the situation. In every moment of the game I think he’s a player that can come help us in build up, and also help us in the last third and score some goals.”
Gómez, 34, is the second youngest manager in the USL. He joined Rising as part of Stone’s staff in January. Regardless of his experience and the state of the club, there is optimism among the players about what is to come.
“With Diego in charge I think he’s emphasized a lot on the competition,” Scearce said. “Every day of training is competitive, everyone’s trying to win whatever the training drill is. Coming into this game it was just to fight, to fight for the fans, to make them fall in love with the team again because we’ve been going through a tough moment. I think we’re heading in the right direction.”