Phoenix Rising FC has signed defender Laurence Wyke, the club announced today.
“Laurence has been a high-quality player with an extremely competitive team in this league,” said Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “He was a big part of the success they enjoyed in Tampa Bay. He will add competitiveness, quality, versatility, and presence here in Phoenix.”
Wyke spent last season with Major League Soccer side, Nashville SC. He appeared in three U.S. Open Cup matches, playing the full 90 minutes in each. Nashville SC earned shutouts vs. San Antonio FC and FC Dallas in those matches, allowing just 0.66 goals per game. Wyke assisted on Alex Muyl’s goal in a 2-1 loss to Inter Miami in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 after sending in a dangerous cross from the right flank.
“I’m really happy to be heading to Phoenix, the reigning USL Champions,” said Wyke. “I’ve always had my eye on Phoenix. I like the way they play. It’s a very professional environment.”
In addition to his appearances in the U.S. Open Cup for Nashville, Wyke played two matches for Huntsville City FC in MLS Next Pro and appeared twice for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship.
“I have a bite to me,” said Wyke when asked about his playing style. “I’m a very passionate player. I’m quite technical on the ball and with my distribution. Defensively, I am very solid, but I like being on the ball, dictating the play.”
Wyke, 27, signed with the Youth Academy of Manchester United as a seven-year-old in 2004. After a decade in the Man U system, Wyke changed his focus to education, eventually making his way to Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He made 46 appearances for the NCAA Division III side in 2015-16, scoring 11 goals and four assists before transferring to Furman University. In two seasons at Furman, Wyke scored 16 goals and added five assists.
Following college, Wyke took part in the 2018 MLS Combine and was signed by Atlanta United 2. He made 29 appearances during the 2019 USL Championship season, scoring three goals. Wyke made seven appearances for Atlanta United in MLS in the shortened 2020 season, then joined Tampa Bay for the 2021-22 seasons. He played in 64 matches for the Rowdies, scoring three goals and helping the team win the 2021 Regular Season Title by allowing just 23 goals in 32 matches.
Transaction: Rising signs defender Laurence Wyke
Name: Laurence Wyke
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 181
DOB: September 20, 1996 (27)
Birthplace: Bolton, England
Hometown: Bolton, England
Previous Club: Nashville SC
