With the exciting news of four additional loans from MLS side LAFC, the Phoenix Rising roster now stands at 27 players. Coach Shantz has previously stated that he wants to keep the Phoenix Rising Roster between 24-26 players this season. This means that we could see the first loan from Phoenix Rising down to FC Tucson within the next two weeks. Below is a brief summary of the players brought in from LAFC, followed by a list of Rising players that I think might be in line for a loan to FC Tucson.

The Additions:

RB – Tristan Blackmon

CM – Javi Perez

RW – Josh Perez

LW – Shaft Brewer Jr.

Last year, Blackmon locked down the right side of the defense during the last half of the season and into Phoenix’s playoff run. It would stand to reason that he steps back into the starting RB role. Javi Perez is a creative midfielder who I could see stepping into either a CM or AM role with Phoenix. Josh Perez played one match for Rising last September before being recalled by LAFC. Hopefully we can an extended look at him this season. Shaft Brewer Jr. is a player who Rising fans should know well. He played in 8 matches for Rising last season.

Edit: Apparently Brewer Jr. is also a right back…

Possible Loans To FC Tucson:

Alessandro Riggi –

Riggi was one of the players Coach Shantz mentioned when I asked him “who might see some time in Tucson”. Shantz said that Riggi would benefit from a loan to Tucson as he regains his fitness following his injury last season. FC Tucson will likely see more Rising players come down for minutes while coming back from injury.

Devin Vega –

Vega is a name that pops up often when Rising Twitter discusses who might get a loan down to Tucson. It makes sense on paper, he’s a young developing talent, and a loan to FC Tucson would guarantee him regular minutes as a starter. Though, Vega is only one of two true attacking midfielders on the roster, the other being Jose Aguinaga. If Coach Shantz believes that Javi Perez could slot into that attacking midfielder role, then that would open the door for Vega to spend some time with FC Tucson.

Joey Calistri –

With the addition of Josh Perez, there are now three RWs on the roster. It might be tough for Calistri to get consistent minutes with Phoenix. I could see him being loaned down for a few weeks at a time to keep him match fit. Though, I think if a loan does come, it won’t be until after the start of the League One season.

Ben Spencer –

How you view this next possibility depends on if you think Jason Johnson can play as a CF. Shaft Brewer Jr.’s return adds depth at LW behind Junior Flemmings. This means that Jason Johnson could be used more as a substitute striker than a winger. If this happens, then Spencer would lose opportunities to play. If he cannot get regular minutes with the first team, then a loan to FC Tucson would allow him to keep up his form.

FC Tucson’s season begins March 30th.  Coach Schantz has said that he expects the FC Tucson Roster to have between 20-24 players.  The number on both Phoenix Rising as FC Tucson will fluctuate as players are loaned back an forth throughout the season, up until the September 14th roster freeze.  If a loan does happen this weekend, that means we could see the player suit up for FC Tucson in their friendly against Sporting AZ this Monday.

FC Tucson’s first professional season starts in 15 days…