Phoenix Rising signs former New Mexico United forward Santi Moar

Phoenix Rising FC has signed former New Mexico United forward Santi Moar pending league approval, the club announced on Tuesday.

Per club policy, the terms and details of the contract were not disclosed.

“As a professional, you always thrive to play and be amongst the best and Phoenix has proven to be the best in this league,” Moar said in a press release.

“When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to embrace it and go for it, and I am hungry to be part of something even better in 2020.”

Moar, 26, was named to USL Championship’s All-League Second Team after scoring 11 goals and notching six assists in 33 matches for New Mexico last season.

Two of those goals came against Phoenix in the two side’s 3-3 draw in March, which also helped the Spaniard win the Player of the Month.

The 26-year-old is an extremely talented inverted winger — comparable to the likes of Junior Flemmings.

In fact, Moar finished tied for third in USL last season with 93 completed dribbles. The Spaniard completed 93 of 154 (60.4%), compared to Flemmings’ 52 of 98 (53.1%). Moar also finished 11th in the league in chances created from open play with 49.

So where on the pitch will the newest Rising signee play? That’s an interesting question.

Both Moar and Flemmings prefer the left wing, and let’s not forget who already dictates the space on the right wing: captain Solomon Asante. But with the absence of Jon Bakero in the attacking midfield, perhaps the captain will drop into more of a central No. 10 role.

Moar also becomes the 13th signing for the club’s 2020 roster:

Goalkeeper: Zac Lubin

Fullbacks: Austin Ledbetter and Kyle Bjornethun

Center backs: Corey Whelan, A.J. Cochran and Joey Farrell

Midfielders: Kevon Lambert, Jose Aguinaga and Joey Calistri

Forwards: Solomon Asante, Adam Jahn, Junior Flemmings and Santi Moar

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