Phoenix Rising sign former Nashville SC right back Darnell King

Phoenix Rising FC has signed former Nashville SC right back Darnell King for the 2020 season pending league and federation approval, the club announced on Wednesday.

King, 29, is Phoenix’s fifth signing since Dec. 3, following the signings of left back Owusu-Ansah Kontor, forward Santi Moar, and midfielders Jack Barmby and Jon Bakero.

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

NEWS: We’ve added @21ddking to the roster for 2020! Defense looking 💪 for this season.

DETAILS: https://t.co/A0ygqBmsu3 #RisingAsOne pic.twitter.com/2I4eGq38Ta

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) December 18, 2019

“I couldn’t be more ready to join Phoenix Rising for the 2020 season,” King said in a press release.

“The structure and winning mentality of the team speaks highly on how this club works. I am hoping my talents can help build off of what this team has already established. I am grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to get started to work with my new teammates and be a part of the community with an amazing fan atmosphere.”

King spent last season with Nashville SC, where he notched one assist in 21 matches (1,675 minutes). Nashville — who will be making its MLS debut this upcoming 2020 season — posted USL Championship’s best defense in 2019, allowing just 26 goals. Phoenix allowed 36 goals this past season.

In 2017 and 2018, the 29-year-old split time with fellow USL sides Tampa Bay Rowdies and San Antonio FC, respectively. In that span, King accumulated one assist in 24 matches for Tampa Bay in 2017, while scoring twice and capturing four assists in 32 matches for San Antonio the following year.

“Class character and player. Going to be a very exciting 2020!!!” manager Rick Schantz said in a tweet.

The right back becomes the club’s 17th signing ahead of the 2020 campaign.

Goalkeeper: Zac Lubin

Fullbacks: Austin Ledbetter, Kyle Bjornethun, Owusu-Ansah Kontor and Darnell King

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

Midfielders: Kevon Lambert, Jose Aguinaga, Joey Calistri, Jack Barmby and Jon Bakero

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

Follow @jwa1994