Phoenix Rising FC signed midfielder JP Scearce on December 8, 2023.
Scearce, who turns 27 next week, was named to the USL League One all-league team on October 31 after helping Union Omaha earn its second Players’ Shield in franchise history. Scearce scored six goals and two assists last season while winning 230 duels, 154 recoveries, completing 94 long passes, 63 clearances and creating 25 chances. In four seasons with one of the top USL League One sides, Scearce has appeared in 98 league matches, scored 16 goals and added six assists.
“I’m super excited to be back home, close to family and friends,” said Scearce. “There has always been a lot of hype around the club with Drogba, Omar Bravo and Shaun Wright-Phillips coming in from the start in 2017. I’ve always had the desire to play for Phoenix. They have been one of the top clubs in the championship since they came into the league. I believe I will fit in well. I’m a very hard worker on both sides of the ball. I like to get up into the attack and get on the end of crosses, but I pride myself on my defensive work and helping to earn shutouts.”
Prior to joining Union Omaha, Scearce spent two seasons at Cornell University where he made 31 appearances, scoring 10 goals and three assists. Scearce began his collegiate career at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. He finished second in school history with 10 goals and 31 assists during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Scearce attended Chaparral High School in Scottsdale from 2012-15. He won the 2017 Arizona State Championship with CCV Stars ’98.
“I had a long and positive conversation with Juan back in September,” added Scearce. “What stood out to me was there will be 22 starters on this team, no favorites, everyone always competing for a spot in the 18. From what I saw of the returning players, it is a good core with a good number of midfielders. It is going to be a competitive group, which is great for a team that wants to be the best in the league.”
Name: JP Scearce
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-1
Weight: 170
DOB: December 19, 1997 (25)
Birthplace: Nogales, Arizona
Hometown: Nogales, Arizona
Previous Club: Union Omaha
Twitter: @jpscearce97
