Even though he scored in the game, Federico Varela and his Phoenix Rising FC teammates lost to New Mexico United in the first round of the USL playoffs. Now the team is close to hiring a new coach. (Photo by Alika Jenner/USSF/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – Just like that, a season filled with ups and downs came to a sudden end for Phoenix Rising FC, first when the team failed to defend its USL title Sunday, followed by Thursday’s announcement that it was parting ways with interim head coach Diego Gomez.
Gomez and the Rising went their separate ways after the club suffered a 2-1 loss to New Mexico United in the first round of the USL playoffs on the road, abruptly ending Phoenix’s bid for a repeat championship..
“Diego stepped into a challenging role this season, and we’re incredibly grateful for his leadership and dedication to Phoenix Rising,” Rising president Bobby Dulle said. “He brought stability to the team during a critical time, and his impact has been significant both on and off the field. After careful consideration, we believe the best path forward is to look externally for a head coach who can lead us into the next phase of success for this club. We have immense respect for Diego and appreciate all he’s done for Phoenix Rising.”
Despite a rollercoaster of a season for Gomez, who joined the team in February as an assistant coach, he help set up Phoenix to defend its title.
As defending champions, Phoenix Rising FC had high hopes of replicating Louisville City FC’s back-to-back title success from 2017 and 2018. However, with the early playoff exit, Phoenix’s dreams of a repeat in 2024 were cut short, leaving the team and fans disappointed.
Initially, the first round match Sunday at Isotopes Park appeared to be heading in the Rising’s favor, with Phoenix playing with great intensity and movement. Within the first 30 minutes, Phoenix registered four shots and had around 65% of the ball. New Mexico was left completely blanked, only registering a single shot in the first half.
Even though Rising had the first half go in their favor, they were unable to find the back of the net and they headed to halftime leveled. However, four minutes into the second half, Rising’s Federico Varela found the back of the goal with a deflected shot landing on his side for the easy tap-in.
The game was looking eerily similar to their previous matchup, a 2-1 Rising win on Oct. 9. However, it was New Mexico who was falling behind at home. Regardless, United, the No. 1 seeded in the Western Conference, wasn’t going to let Phoenix rattle them, as they were able to equalize in the 58th minute, with Will Seymore finding the tying shot.
Following a series of substitutions from Phoenix and New Mexico, it was the home side who were able to find the back of the net. A counterattack created by New Mexico in the 85th minute was enough for Mukwelle Akale to sheer the shot, causing the home town fans to erupt over the go-ahead goal.
Now all eyes turn to the search for a new head coach, and possibly new additions to the Phoenix roster before the USL season begins in January.
GiveMeSports’ Tom Bogert reported that Charlotte FC assistant manager Pa-Modou Kah will head to Phoenix as the club’s new head coach for the 2025 season, but not before Charlotte finishes its own playoff journey.
Kah has spent the last two years with Charlotte, which competes in Major League Soccer, helping the team to a final series playoffs in 2023 and a playoff appearance in 2024. Additionally, he has head coaching experience in both the MLS Next Pro (North Texas SC) and the Canadian Premier League (Pacific FC). He was also selected the 2021 CPL Coach of the Year.
With Kah possibly coming from the MLS, it will be a new process for Phoenix knowing that it is a team that can compete for a championship and proved it in 2023.
Even with a change of coaches, Phoenix will look to revamp and continue to bring in new players to bulk up the squad. Tómas Angel, who was on loan from MLS side LAFC, will return to his original team, which will ask Rising to work players from their academy or sign some players to fill in his spot.
Rising captain John Stenberg suffered a low body injury this season, which sidelined him for nearly the entirety of the 2024 season. He was the facilitator in Phoenix’s run in 2023 and played an important role for the club. The Rising hope to have him back for the 2025 campaign.
Fans also can look forward to more team engagement and marketing campaigns next season, complementing some of the creative game-day experiences already in place. Rising’s attendance figures rose slightly this year, with a 2.40% increase in home matches and a 6,190 fans-per-game average.
At the end of the day, the offseason should offer Rising fans reasons to look forward with a new coach, a healthy roster and a proven track record. Phoenix made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, winning the cup in 2023. They have proven to be a club that can embark on historic runs, and battle through adversity. All eyes will be on Dulle and co-owner/sporting director Brandon McCarthy to be active in the offseason and ensure that Phoenix can continue to fight for titles in the foreseeable future.