Rising coach Rick Schantz named June’s USL Coach of the Month
Jul 10, 2019, 12:36 PM | Updated: 2:38 pm
Phoenix Rising Head Coach Rick Schantz analyzes his team during training in Scottsdale ahead of the week 28 matchup against San Antonio FC. Rising have three club records in sight ahead of the USL playoffs in October. (Photo by Ricardo Ávila/Cronkite News)
(Photo by Ricardo Ávila/Cronkite News)
Phoenix Rising head coach Rick Schantz was named USL Championship Coach of the Month for June on Wednesday.
The award is Schantz’s second in his coaching career. He was also the recipient of last year’s award for the month of June, when he took over for Patrice Carteron.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the league but, in my opinion, this award is recognition for hard work the players and staff put in over a short period of time,” Schantz said in a press release. “Our goal is to put together as many months like June that it takes to win the Cup. While appreciated immensely, I know that we still have work to do. We won’t rest until our goals are achieved.”
The Rising had a 5-0-0 record in June and outscored opponents 13-3 over the stretch. Three of the five wins were shutouts.
The undefeated streak has continued into July, as the club has won its last eight matches, the longest in club history.
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It also allowed the club to hold first place in the Western Conference for more than a day for the first time in history. The Rising were briefly the leaders at a point late last season.
The team will look to continue the winning streak Saturday against Rio Grande Valley FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on ESPN Phoenix 620 AM and streamed live on ArizonaSports.com.
