Official release from USL PRO league
USL PRO announced today that the franchise rights for Phoenix, Arizona have been acquired by Arizona United Soccer Club, LLC, an entity owned by local advertising executive Kyle Eng.
Eng is the Founder and Owner of Peoria-based Arrowhead Advertising. Arizona United SC will assume the existing schedule previously prepared for Phoenix FC Wolves. It is anticipated that the team will enter into an agreement with the City of Peoria to host its matches at the Peoria Sports Complex Stadium.
"Longtime Peoria resident Kyle Eng brings decades of experience as a successful executive and proven sports business leader, and with the full support of his agency and other partners has all of the tools to realize his vision for Arizona United SC to develop into a model club in USL PRO," USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. "This is an exciting day for the local sports community and a reward to loyal USL PRO supporters, such as LFR, that continue to exhibit a passion so important to the future success of a professional soccer club."
Kyle Eng, a graduate of Arizona State University, founded Arrowhead Advertising Agency in October 2003 and has led its growth to become one of the largest full-service advertising agencies in the Southwest. Arrowhead's client list includes major companies such as Hyundai and Nationwide Vision, and the company has received numerous recognitions and awards for its excellence interactive marketing and social media campaigns. Prior to launching Arrowhead, Eng was a marketing and P.R. executive at the Golf Channel and Fox Sports, including serving on the original launch team of Fox Sports Arizona in 1996.
"My team and I look forward to playing a part in continuing to grow this great game in the Valley to unparalleled levels. We believe we can do this by putting a quality product on the field and giving our fans a great experience at our matches," Eng said. "It's exciting to be given the opportunity to serve the entire Arizona soccer community as the owner of Arizona United Soccer Club."
Earlier, USL PRO discontinued the franchise rights previously held by American Soccer Marketing, LLC and the further participation of Phoenix FC Wolves.
Front office and coaching staff announcements will be made in the coming days. More information about Arizona United Soccer Club can be found at ArizonaUnited.com.
USL PRO posted the following on Twitter:
ICYMI: #USLPRO today announced the franchise rights for Phoenix, Ariz. have been transferred to @AZUnitedSC: http://t.co/OuNoPUQjcB
— USL PRO (@USLPRO) March 13, 2014
While Arizona United added:
We are very excited to be a part of @USLPRO. Follow us! The future will be bright for Arizona Soccer! #uslpro#AZUnitedSC
— AZ United Soccer (@AZUnitedSC) March 13, 2014
