Phoenix Rising signs 2019 USL League One MVP Arturo Rodriguez

Phoenix Rising FC announced the signing of midfielder Arturo Rodriguez on Tuesday, the second new addition to PRFC in as many days.

Rodriguez, who turns 22 this month, has spent the last two seasons playing for USL League One side North Texas SC and was on loan to Real Monarchs in 2020.

Despite only making two appearances in USL Championship last campaign due to his loan expiring following the COVID-19 halt in March, the midfielder was crowned the 2019 USL League One MVP in addition to lifting the title that same year.

Rodriguez was also named Young Player of the Year in 2019 after scoring seven goals and leading the league with 10 assists in 30 appearances.

“I am comfortable playing as a No. 7, 8, 9 or 10,” Rodriguez said in a press release.

“I even spent some time playing as a right wing, so I am versatile and will be ready for whatever opportunity the coach gives me. Rising is always one of the best teams in the league. It will be a good challenge for me at this point in my career.”

PRFC’s newest signee was born and raised in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, before joining the FC Dallas Academy in 2015.

Rodriguez even spent time with Spanish second-division side Real Oviedo in 2018 before returning to Dallas to sign with North Texas.

“Arturo is a creative midfielder who is very dangerous,” manager Rick Schantz said in the release.

“He is talented in finding the right pass and playing forward between lines. He has a proven track record of success and will be another great young addition to our team.”

Phoenix Rising now has 14 players signed to its roster ahead of the 2021 USLC campaign:

Goalkeepers: Zac Lubin

Fullbacks: Darnell King and Joey Calistri

Center backs: Joey Farrell and Tobi Adewole

Midfielders: Jon Bakero, Kevon Lambert, Sam Stanton, Aodhan Quinn and Arturo Rodriguez

Forwards: Solomon Asante, Rufat Dadashov, Santi Moar and Ivan Gutierrez

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