The original article was updated tonight: http://odfcnews.com/2014/03/12/phoenix-fc-ownership-sources/ Sounds like the reporter thinks the new ownership will continue.
Is this a new franchise? Could the name Phoenix FC change? Different stadium, everything? Very confused.
That's actually what I thought when I saw the announcement. I kind of feel bad for saying that because I really don't know the details of what cause this ownership group to fail so badly, but part of me was wanting a change like this.
This is sort of a best case scenario. I couldn't really get behind the previous group. I am willing to buy in to a new team.
Here you go: USL PRO NEWS RELEASE, Thursday, March 13, 2014 USL PRO Announces Ownership Change, Rebrand in Phoenix Arizona United SC owned by local business executive Kyle Eng TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced today that the franchise rights for Phoenix, Arizona have been acquired by Arizona United Soccer Club, LLC, an entity owned by local advertising executive Kyle Eng. Eng is the Founder and Owner of Peoria-based Arrowhead Advertising. Arizona United SC will assume the existing schedule previously prepared for Phoenix FC Wolves. It is anticipated that the team will enter into an agreement with the City of Peoria to host its matches at the Peoria Sports Complex Stadium. “Longtime Peoria resident Kyle Eng brings decades of experience as a successful executive and proven sports business leader, and with the full support of his agency and other partners has all of the tools to realize his vision for Arizona United SC to develop into a model club in USL PRO,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “This is an exciting day for the local sports community and a reward to loyal USL PRO supporters, such as LFR, that continue to exhibit a passion so important to the future success of a professional soccer club.” Kyle Eng, a graduate of Arizona State University, founded Arrowhead Advertising Agency in October 2003 and has led its growth to become one of the largest full-service advertising agencies in the Southwest. Arrowhead’s client list includes major companies such as Hyundai and Nationwide Vision, and the company has received numerous recognitions and awards for its excellence interactive marketing and social media campaigns. Prior to launching Arrowhead, Eng was a marketing and P.R. executive at the Golf Channel and Fox Sports, including serving on the original launch team of Fox Sports Arizona in 1996. “My team and I look forward to playing a part in continuing to grow this great game in the Valley to unparalleled levels. We believe we can do this by putting a quality product on the field and giving our fans a great experience at our matches,” Eng said. “It’s exciting to be given the opportunity to serve the entire Arizona soccer community as the owner of Arizona United Soccer Club.” Earlier, USL PRO discontinued the franchise rights previously held by American Soccer Marketing, LLC and the further participation of Phoenix FC Wolves. Front office and coaching staff announcements will be made in the coming days. More information about Arizona United Soccer Club can be found at ArizonaUnited.com.
On the surface this is fantastic news. These guys know the business and have the right connections. Goodbye Phoenix FC and good riddance.
Odeen's article on the new ownership This seems like exactly what was needed, wiping the slate clean and people who actually have a clue what they are doing. No word either way. I imagine things will start happening pretty fast, they have to.
This is great news. The crest looks really sharp although a bit confusing/misleading a first glance with 1912 in it. Only thing thats disappointing to me is the new name.
The article yesterday said they had several players practicing and trialing just none signed. In theory they could offer the whole group contracts in the next few days and have decent roster. Unknown if they will start over with a coach too. Anyone know where the 1912 came from? Considering what business the owner is in, I expect a superb website and PR from now on in Phoenix.
They've announced some stuff, but not everything. First home game one month from yesterday, so I'm sure info will be forthcoming.
This team has had almost as many names as victories, is that right? EDIT: Phoenix City FC Phoenix FC Wolves Arizona United SC That would be three and they had five victories last year.
What's with the "19" and "12" on the shield? Is that what they expect their record to be? Isn't this a new team? UPDATE - Yes, thanks, Kenn. Year 'Zona became a state. How unclear of them. Nice of them to give us the history lesson though. Maybe throw some stars on there to educate us how many championships someone else has too.
We can petition that they use a few names before the season opener. Valley of the Sun FC and Copper State FC can be nice additions to their name collection.
It's not really intended for you. I mean, any team that puts something indigenous on their branding might very well put something there without regard to how it will play in Chattanooga or New Orleans or Parsippany. (FWIW, I recommended to them that they not do it, because usually the only years you see on crests or badges is the year of the founding of a club itself and it can be confusing. But anyone in Arizona knows what it means.)
This article says: "Arizona United will kick off their 2014 season with a match against the Colorado Rapids reserves on March 30, as part of the MLS-USL PRO partnership, which began in 2013. Arizona will also face Chivas USA's reserves on May 24, in a game scheduled to take place in Peoria. As part of the partnership, matches against MLS reserve sides count in USL PRO teams' season standings." http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...referral&utm_content=News&utm_campaign=Unpaid
Hopefully this will breathe new life into an organization that really needed it. The reboot is a good start and these guys seem to have their ducks in a row. Looks like good news, it'd be great for the game here to have a solid presence in a city the size of Phoenix.