2020 USLC Goalkeeper of the Year Ben Lundt joins Phoenix Rising on loan

Phoenix Rising FC manager Rick Schantz said on Tuesday that an MLS goalkeeper was arriving in the Valley on loan, but could not reveal who due to league rules.

On Thursday, PRFC announced that the new addition is Ben Lundt from FC Cincinnati, who retains the right to recall the goalkeeper at any time.

Lundt marks Rising’s fourth MLS loanee and the second goalkeeper on loan after Colorado Rapids loaned out midfielder Jeremy Kelly and GK Andre Rawls, while Minnesota United FC loaned out defender Noah Billingsley. Both clubs retain the right to recall all three players as well.

The No. 37 overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft is the reigning USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Year after spending each of the last two seasons on loan at Louisville City FC.

The 6-foot-6 German made 44 saves and led the league with nine clean sheets last season. In 2019, Lundt made 12 appearances for Lou City in USLC, four of which were clean sheets.

“Ben comes to us with an amazing pedigree,” manager Rick Schantz said in a press release.

“He understands what it takes to win in the USL. Ben is very confident and is an imposing figure in goal. I know he is excited about joining us. He will be a great addition to our goalkeeping family.”

Having been born in Germany, Lundt spent his youth career with Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin’s U-17s and U-23s from 2011-13.

Three years later, the 25-year-old goalkeeper played in college at Akron from 2016-18. Rising midfielder Aodhan Quinn is also a fellow Zip (2011-13).

Lundt could see playing time as soon as Saturday — and will be the backup goalkeeper at minimum — as Zac Lubin remains out for a couple of months after having back surgery, while Andre Rawls continues to nurse a grade-one groin strain that is likely to keep him out for a week or two.

“I learned Phoenix needed a goalkeeper three or four days ago,” Lundt said in the release. “The situation wasn’t right for me in Cincinnati.

“Being in the league the last two seasons, I know Phoenix Rising. I have a lot of respect for this organization. When I learned they were interested in me it became an easy decision. I was super happy to come here. My first session was good, just trying to get adjusted. The guys were nice and made me feel welcome.”

PRFC hosts Oakland Roots SC in the club’s first-ever match in USLC on Saturday at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be audio broadcast live on ArizonaSports.com and on the Arizona Sports app.

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