Phoenix Rising head coach Patrice Carteron is leaving Rising to become head coach of the Al Ahly SC of the Egyptian Premier League, Rising announced on Tuesday.
Carteron was hired seven games into the 2017 season. Rising went 17-8-7 during his tenure and led the Club to a USL playoff appearance.
Carteron is the all-time club leader in points earned with 71, is tied for all-time wins with 20, and is responsible for the club’s longest unbeaten stretch of 11 matches.
“I am incredibly proud of my staff and players for their dedication and hard work to achieving such unprecedented success as a new professional soccer team,” Carteron said in a press release. “The empowerment from Phoenix Rising FC Governor Berke Bakay and the entire ownership group, and support from the amazing fans has been truly fantastic. I will forever remain among Phoenix Rising FC’s biggest fans.”
Rick Schantz will be the interim head coach. Schantz will be at the helm on Wednesday night when Rising hosts Las Vegas Lights FC.
“We have full confidence in Rick and our coaching staff to lead our team forward and accomplish the same goals we set for the club at the beginning of the year, which is to win the USL Cup,” Phoenix Rising FC Governor Berke Bakay said in the release. “Rick has benefitted from studying under Patrice for the past year and is the right leader to guide our club forward for the remainder of the season.”
