Patrice Cateron is trading one desert for another, as he transitions from Phoenix Rising FC to Egyptian Premier League side Al Ahly Sporting Club in Cairo.  The 111 year-old club has a history of success, including 8 CAF Champions League titles, a Confederation Cup, 4 African Cup Winers Cup, and a bronze medal in the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup.

In a press release, Carteron had this to say: ““I am incredibly proud of my staff and players for their dedication and hard work to achieving such unprecedented success as a new professional soccer team.  The empowerment from Phoenix Rising FC Governor Berke Bakay and the entire ownership group, and support from the amazing fanshas been truly fantastic.  I will forever remain among Phoenix Rising FC’s biggest fans.”

Carteron’s arrival in Phoenix was a signal that Rising FC ownership were very serious about building a winner in the desert.  Unfortunately, his departure reminds us that this goal is much more difficult than the nascent soccer community would think, and that all things Division II are meant to be temporary.

The Frenchman likely arrived in Arizona with the goal of being the head coach of the potential MLS franchise.  With this round’s expansion franchises announced,  a second round that will not see entry until 2022, and the international break (most world leagues carry a different calendar than US teams), the timing was appropriate for Carteron’s departure.

Had the 47 year-old stayed, he still would have been coaching in a league that is ranked 23rd in the world, behind the Czech Republic, Romania, and Algeria, among others.  As the coach of a US Division II team, there are are potentially 500 teams of a higher ranking that can be found in the world.  Without the MLS berth, it was always unlikely a coach of his skill would remain.

Phoenix Rising FC is doing an outstanding job creating an environment fans want to be a part of.  Passion continues to build among the fans.  With SIX major soccer events this week alone (Check out the Firebird Soccer Events Calendar!), a robust soccer community is starting to bloom.  FC Arizona (NPSL) clinched a spot in the divisional playoffs, and Sporting AZ FC (UPSL) looks well on their way to a conference championship, leading in their rivals with two games in hand.  Not to mention that we now have not one, but two women’s teams (FC Tucson Women, Phoenix Del Sol) representing Arizona with the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

We are but guppies in a vast ocean of sport, and we continue to make incredible progress.  Godspeed to Head Coach Rick Schantz for the remainder of the Phoenix Rising FC season.