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Phoenix Rising FC✔@PHXRisingFC

So it begins!

We're excited to make our first roster announcement of 2019: we've re-signed midfielder James Musa! #UpRising

From this week's Flying Kiwis -

James Musa: “I am delighted to be coming back to Phoenix in 2019 to build on the success we had in 2018. I can’t wait to link up with my new and old teammates and get to work to achieve our goal of bringing back two trophies in 2019. The club epitomizes what a top franchise in USL should look like. Not just from the player's standpoint but the ownership, coaches, front office and of course the fans are all amazing. It’s an exciting time for football fans in Phoenix and 2019 is only going to be better!”

There you go, the first player announced for next season. Musa had a rock solid 2018 but it was spoiled by an injury which cost him Phoenix’s entire playoff run, which was a long one. The Rising went all the way to the USL championship match, though were defeated 1-0 by Louisville City. Second year in a row that The Moose has lost the USL championship final. Here’s hoping for third time lucky as the USL gets a big rebranding for 2019 that better aligns it with the MLS. Also, Didier Drogba retired, so no more Drogs… but he still owns this team. Bit of a brush with football royalty, played in the same team as the great man for his final season as a pro.