Wingback Joey Calistri returns to Phoenix Rising FC for 2021
Dec 2, 2020, 4:02 PM
Phoenix Rising FC fullback Darnell King (left), wingback Joey Calistri (center) and midfielder Kevon Lambert (right). (Arizona Sports/Ashley Orellana)
(Arizona Sports/Ashley Orellana)
Phoenix Rising FC announced on Wednesday that the club has re-signed wingback Joey Calistri ahead of the 2021 USL Championship campaign.
The announcement comes just one day after PRFC made its first new signing of the offseason in center back Tobi Adewole.
“I can’t wait to get back to work next year,” Calistri said in a press release. “I will do everything I can to help us bring home a championship for our fans.”
Calistri will be going into his third season in the Valley after signing with Phoenix ahead of the legendary 2019 season.
In that time, the 27-year-old has amassed six goals and two assists over 47 matches en route to winning both the 2019 regular-season title and 2020 Western Conference Final, the former of which was clinched thanks to the clutch foot of Calistri.
"A super goal for the super sub!"
Let @TNTerens help you start your Tuesday off right with his goal call of @jcali10's thrilling equalizer in New Mexico.#UpRising pic.twitter.com/tcrofaadHv
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) October 1, 2019
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Calistri’s versatility is why it’s so hard to designate exactly what position he plays.
In his first season with PRFC in 2019, Calistri would be used primarily as winger and sometimes fill in as a midfielder.
However, with the addition of winger Santi Moar ahead of last season, Calistri saw more time as a fullback in 2020 while also deploying as a winger occasionally.
“I am very excited to have Joey Calistri back with our team,” manager Rick Schantz said in the release. “Joey is the ultimate utility player and he has scored some big goals for our club.
“Not only is he a great pro on the field, but an even better pro off the field. Joey comes to work every day ready to go. He is the perfect example for any young player.”
Phoenix Rising now has 11 players signed to its roster ahead of the 2021 USLC campaign:
Goalkeepers: Zac Lubin
Fullbacks: Darnell King, Joey Calistri
Center backs: Joey Farrell and Tobi Adewole
Midfielders: Jon Bakero, Kevon Lambert, Sam Stanton
Forwards: Solomon Asante, Rufat Dadashov and Santi Moar
