Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra has accepted a coaching position with a Major League Soccer side, the club announced today.
The MLS team met the terms of a buyout clause in Guerra’s contract to finalize the deal.
“Juan Guerra will always be part of the Phoenix Rising family,” said President Bobby Dulle. “In his short time as head coach, he helped the club achieve a goal it had been chasing for seven years. We are proud to have had him at the helm during our first championship season. We respect Juan’s decision to embark on a new opportunity and extend our best wishes for continued success to him and his family in their future endeavors.”
Guerra was named Head Coach of Phoenix Rising on August 22, 2022, leading the team to a record of 4-4-1 in the final nine matches. In the offseason, he helped masterfully reconstruct the roster, forging a team that excelled in the playoffs. The team’s skillful play resulted in four straight road wins, earning them the 2023 USL Championship trophy. Guerra ends his tenure at Rising with a record of 20-15-14 across all competitions.
“I want to express my gratitude for everyone that was part of what we were able to achieve,” said Guerra. “I am so grateful for the opportunity I received to come back to Phoenix and win a championship together. Being able to unify the coaching staff, the players and the front office under one culture and one goal was remarkable to see. That is what I want people to remember about my time here.
This was not an easy decision to make. We love Phoenix. We love where we are and my family loves being here, but this is part of the growth and development that the profession demands. It is the path I feel I need to take at this point in my career. As much as this hurts – it feels good to know we are leaving Phoenix in an incredible position. I am very sure the organization will continue to have success.”
Guerra initially joined Rising as an assistant coach in March of 2021, helping the team finish first in the Pacific Division with a Western Conference best record of 20-5-7. Rising FC won its division by 15 points and led the USL Championship in goals (68). Following the season, Guerra accepted the head coaching position at Oakland Roots SC, leading the side to a 6-7-12 record.
Prior to joining Phoenix, the Venezuelan spent two seasons as an assistant coach with USL Championship club Indy Eleven, following a playing career that saw him record almost 200 professional appearances. He earned six international caps and represented Venezuela in FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying.
Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Departs for Major League Soccer
