PHOENIX RISING FC

Phoenix Rising’s Solomon Asante wins 2019 USL Championship MVP

Nov 21, 2019, 12:05 PM | Updated: 3:42 pm

Phoenix Rising captain Solomon Asante. (Photo courtesy of Michael Rincon)...

Phoenix Rising captain Solomon Asante. (Photo courtesy of Michael Rincon)

(Photo courtesy of Michael Rincon)

Phoenix Rising forward and captain Solomon Asante was named as 2019 USL Championship MVP, the league announced on Thursday.

“Solomon Asante is one of the finest players I have ever worked with as a coach,” Rising manager Rick Schantz said in a press release.

“Solo is a leader who cares so much about his team. He was so willing to do whatever the team needed and it’s evident in his assists and goals scored. We knew from the very beginning that opponents were focused on stopping Solo and yet he was still able to have an MVP season. As much as I hate to admit it, Solo belongs in a higher league, but I will enjoy every minute I get with him.”

The captain also won the Golden Boot thanks to his 22 goals on the 2019 campaign, just three short of the USL single-season record.

But Asante did set two USL single-season records this year for assists (17) and combined goals and assists (39).

And if an MVP award wasn’t enough to reflect the quality of his efforts this season, Asante was also named to the 2019 USL Championship All-League First Team.

The Ghanaian didn’t just set records individually this season, though.

Collectively in 2019, the attacking trio of Asante, Adam Jahn and Junior Flemmings (AJF) combined to score 55 of Phoenix’s USL-record 90 goals, making AJF the deadliest attacking trio in league history.

As a result, Jahn (17 goals) and Flemmings (16 goals) were named to USL’s All-League first and second teams, respectively.

Schantz also received recognition from the league, as he was named the 2019 USL Championship Coach of the Year on Wednesday.

Phoenix Rising FC

The all-new 2024 Phoenix Rising "Todos Rojos" home kit. (Image via Phoenix Rising FC)...

David Veenstra

Phoenix Rising FC reveals new kits for 2024 USL Championship season

Phoenix Rising Football Club revealed new uniforms for the upcoming season on Thursday at Marquee Theatre in Tempe.

28 days ago

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort chats pregame...

Arizona Sports

Full Arizona Sports’ 2024 Newsmakers Week schedule

Leaders from the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona State Sun Devils and more join Bickley & Marotta.

1 month ago

Phoenix Rising FC's press conference announcing the move to Gila River's Wild Horse Pass. (Arizona ...

Arizona Sports

Phoenix Rising FC no longer pursuing women’s team in USL Super League

Phoenix Rising have backed out of creating a team in the USL Super League despite approval of Division I status by U.S. Soccer for the league.

2 months ago

An exterior view of SoFi Stadium prior to a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams a...

Associated Press

US men to play 3 West Coast games in 2026 World Cup group play

The USMNT will play three games along the West Coast in its group stage for the 2026 World Cup; two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

2 months ago

Danny Stone, Phoenix Rising FC...

Vincent DeAngelis

Phoenix Rising FC hires new head coach Danny Stone

A new era for Phoenix Rising FC has begun as Danny Stone was named the new head coach on Thursday.

2 months ago

Juan Guerra...

Damon Allred

Phoenix Rising FC head coach Juan Guerra departs for MLS assistant coach job

Phoenix Rising head coach Juan Guerra will leave the club for an assistant coaching job in Major League Soccer, the club announced Monday.

3 months ago

Phoenix Rising’s Solomon Asante wins 2019 USL Championship MVP