The 2019 campaign is finally upon as, as Phoenix Rising FC opens the season Saturday against San Antonio FC. The core of the 2018 squad returns to avenge its USL Cup loss to Louisville City FC and retain its 2018 Western Conference Championship.
Let’s take a look at this year’s roster.
GOALKEEPERS
Likely Starter: Carl Woszczynski
Key Substitutes: Zac Lubin, Brandon Keniston
Key Questions: Can Woszczynski repeat his performance of 2018 and lead the team back to the Cup final? Will we see more of Lubin in situations where there are multiple games in multiple days or will Rick Schantz stay with the “hot hand”?
DEFENDERS
Likely Starters: Amadou Dia (left), A.J. Cochran (center), Joe Farrell (center), Mustafa Dumbuya (right)
Key Substitutes: Doueugui Mala, Logan Gdula
Key Questions: Will Schantz go out and find another player or two to help with the depth at this position? Will we see one or two of the midfielders (Colin Fernandez or James Musa) possibly get a look from time-to-time on the back line if depth cannot be found?
MIDFIELDERS
Likely Starters: Kevon Lambert (defensive mid), Junior Flemmings (left), Colin Fernandez (middle left), Joey Calistri (middle right), Solomon Asante (right)
Key Substitutes: Jose Aguinaga, Alessandro Riggi, Gladson Awako, Devin Vega, James Musa
Key Questions: With such a talented midfield, how will minutes be spread throughout the group? How will Awako fit in when he joins the team following his visa issues? Will we see one or two of the midfielders finding their way down to FC Tucson to get valuable playing minutes? Can Riggi be the player he was prior to his knee injuty last season?
FORWARDS
Likely Starters: Adam Jahn
Key Substitutes: Ben Spencer, Jason Johnson, Ilijah Paul
Key Questions: Can Jahn be the replacement for Chris Cortez and his club record 19 goals? Can Johnson find the form he had in 2017 with 13 goals. He scored nine last season? Will Paul spend a lot of time in 2019 with FC Tucson? Will someone like Calistri or Asante come up if Jahn or Johnson are not available?
