Brad Cesmat
Valley businessman Kyle Eng resigned as the Co-Chairman, Governor, and CEO of the Arizona United Soccer Club early Wednesday morning. In a letter sent out to the organizations front office staff, coaches, and players, Eng wrote, Launching Arizona United SC will go down as one of the highlights of my professional career – and to think we were able to secure the rights from USL and field a team in just 29 days! Yes, that was crazy. I decided to create Arizona United SC for one reason: community. It was my goal to create a professional soccer team that would be a source of pride for Arizonans, that kids could grow up wanting to play for and that would offer families a sporting experience unlike any other.
Reached by phone, Eng told Sports360az.com ” I never thought that I was larger than the game, It’s time for an investment group to take over, I’ve passed the torch, I’m proud of what we’ve done”.
The new ownership group has an impressive list of local investors led by Berke Bakay, the CEO of Kona Grill.
David Farca-President of International Business Group and in 2015 was appointed President of the Board of Directors of the Arizona-Mexico Commission by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. He also was part of the Arizona Super Bowl Committee.
others in the ownership group will include.
Tim Riester-Founder and CEO of RIESTER Advertising
Dave Stearns-Co-Founder and CEO of Connect Wireless
Jim Scusssel-Co-Founder of Four Peaks Brewing Company
Richard Hauser-President and Owner of Capital Real Estate Firm
LA Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy
Brett Johnson, who deserves a ton of credit for coming in alongside of Eng a season ago, will remain in an ownership position as well. I will write much more about the job Eng did, this move, and what it means for soccer in Arizona in the coming days. United SC has a home match tonight against LA Galaxy ll starting at 7:30pm.
