Phoenix Rising signs Valley native Channing Chasten to multi-year deal

Phoenix Rising FC has signed Valley native and Chandler Hamilton High School alumnus Channing Chasten to a multi-year contract, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old wingback is a former Arizona Arsenal youth player and spent the last three seasons at Ohio State, scoring one goal and notching five assists over 1,859 minutes played in college.

Chasten impressed PRFC manager Rick Schantz during a training session last summer before returning for his junior year in Columbus.

“I’m very excited to begin my pro career with Phoenix Rising,” he said in a press release. “I’ve been to a few matches, and I love the atmosphere. I was impressed by the energy the fans bring. I cannot wait to be a part of this club and give it my all.”

“I’m the type of player that loves to take people on,” he added. “I’m athletic, so I can use speed to my advantage. I’m a student of the game, a hard worker. … [I love] to get to the end line and get crosses in and then score as well.”

Chasten becomes the third local player to sign with PRFC following left back Ryan Flood and 17-year-old center back Niall Dunn, who also went to Hamilton.

“Channing is a very good player with a bright future,” Schantz said in the release. “He is very athletic and can play right wing or right back. He gives us versatility and has a great ability to learn quickly from our experienced players. He should push for a starting position.

“I’m also very excited to add another player from Arizona. Building our youth program and developing players in Arizona is vital for our future. It is important for young players to see the opportunity of playing for Phoenix Rising in their hometown is achievable.”

Chasten intends on completing his degree online while beginning his professional soccer career, which could include a pretty high-profile friendly this week, as Phoenix Rising hosts the U.S. Men’s National Team at Wild Horse Pass in a scrimmage on Thursday. However, the match is not open to the public.

PRFC now has 20 players signed to its roster ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season:

Goalkeeper: Lalo Delgado

Fullbacks: Joey Calistri, Channing Chasten, Ryan Flood, Darnell King, Baboucarr “Babou” Njie

Center backs: Niall Dunn, Joe Farrell, Manuel Madrid, James Musa

Midfielders: Carlos Anguiano, Ivan Gutierrez, Kevon Lambert, Jonathan Levin, Aodhan Quinn, Arturo Rodriguez, Luis Seijas

Forwards: Richmond Antwi, Marcus Epps, Santi Moar

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