FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix Rising FC Transfers Adam Jahn to MLS and Atlanta United
Stone Sports Management, LLC (Columbus, Ohio) – January 22, 2020
Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) announces Phoenix Rising FC’s (“PRFC”) transfer of Striker Adam Jahn to Major League Soccer and Atlanta United FC’s (“ATLUTD”) ahead of the 2020 season. The 29-year old Sacramento native signs a two-year contract with an option after earning 2019 All-League Honors in USL. Jahn’s 18 Goals and 7 Assists during the USL Regular Season were 5th highest and his 16 non-PK goals were second best. In addition to his Best XI nod, Jahn earned USL Player of the Week (10) and named to the Team of the Week (10), (16), (26) and (33). He also added goals in Phoenix’s lone US Open Cup match and during the preseason against MLS sides RSL and the Portland Timbers.
“I am excited to join one of MLS' elite clubs and help add to its trophy cabinet," says Jahn. " I was conflicted last offseason whether to stay in MLS or join one of the top clubs in USL and this opportunity validates that decision after breaking league records with Phoenix Rising FC. Scoring goals, providing assists, helping with clean sheets and ultimately winning builds confidence and hope that this will translate into success with Atlanta United FC. The team will be participating in many competitions this year, so I hope that my hard work and commitment will translate into minutes. I want to thank Owner Arthur Blank, President Darren Eales, Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra and Coach Frank De Boer and staff for bringing me to Atlanta. I have been focused on integrating quickly into the group as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
PRFC signed Jahn to replace Didier Drogba after the 2018 season. He would go on to start 33 games and help PRFC set North American records in Wins (24), Points (78), Goals Scored (89), Goal Differential (+53) most Goals by Two (39) and Three Teammates (54) and winning streak (20) on its way to winning the USL Supporters Shield. Jahn impressively had a 12-game goal or assist streak during the run. Jahn becomes the first PRFC player to ever be sold and one of a handful of players to be sold to MLS from USL in recent seasons.
“We want to thank Adam for an incredible year with Phoenix Rising,” said Phoenix Rising FC General Manager Bobby Dulle. “Adam is not only a fantastic player who gave everything he had every day to help lead the team to a record-breaking season during 2019, he is also a great person who represented our club with exceptional class in the community.”
He joins ATLUTD who have had arguably most successful inaugural three years in MLS, including last year’s winning of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and the prior year’s MLS Cup. Jahn becomes part of an attacking group that contains MLS MVP Josef Martinez, Pity Martinez, Emmanuel Barco and Tito Villalba.
"Atlanta United has built a championship culture and one of the best fanbases in the Western Hemisphere in a short period. I am excited for Adam to join the Five Stripes in their fourth installment as they participate in Champions League once again. Adam proved he can be one of the America's best domestic strikers when given consistent playing time and deserves this opportunity to join one of MLS top clubs after earning USL Best XI and enjoying team success with Phoenix Rising FC, says SSM President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. "This transfer validates that MLS clubs identify successful players within USL and want to thank Phoenix Rising FC (General Manager Bob Dulle and Head Coach Rick Shantz) for its trust in bringing Adam to the club and its professionalism throughout the negotiating process. I also want to thank Carlos Bocanegra, Frank De Boer and Chase Falivene for their hard work and professionalism bringing Adam to Atlanta."
Read more: Transfer: Atlanta United FC Signs Striker Adam Jahn From Phoenix
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnesota United FC Inks New Zealand International James Musa
Stone Sports Management, LLC (Columbus, Ohio) – January 17, 2020
Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) announces Minnesota United FC (“MNUFC”) signing of New Zealand International Defensive Midfielder James Musa for the 2020 MLS season. The 27-year old US Green Card holder joins the Loons after a successful two seasons with Phoenix Rising FC, including a 2019 season that saw Musa help them set North American record win streak (20 games), Wins (24) and Points (78) on its way to the USL Supporters Shield. Musa joins MNUFC after the club’s most successful MLS season, making the playoffs as the Western Conference’s #3 seed, and he brings championship experience and a winning mentality having won the US Open Cup, two USL Western Conference Championships and USL Supporters Shield in his last three seasons.
“It is an honor to join Minnesota United FC and extremely grateful to Adrian Heath, Mark Watson and the entire organization for this opportunity to return to MLS,” remarked Musa. “The club’s culture and goals align with mine, and I expect to help the club compete for trophies and make the Twin Cities proud every time I put on the jersey. I cannot wait to start working with my new teammates, learning from the coaching staff and developing relationships within the community. The home support is some of the best in North America and looking forward to sing Wonderwall often in front of the fans at Allianz Arena!”
The left-footed Musa is expected to join one of MLS’ best Central Midfield pairings in MLS’ Team of the Decade Osvaldo Alonso and Slovakian International Jan Gregus as well as 2019 MLS Rookie of the Year candidate Hassani Dotson. Musa’s versatility also allows Coach Heath to use him in defense either centrally or on the left. He joins former SKC teammate Ike Opara and fellow Kiwi Michael Boxall to help stabilize the defensive shape.
“James is one of them players who’s been in and out of the league and he’s been on that cusp of being in the league,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We had a good long chat with James because we’ve got the likes of Hassani Dotson, Jan Gregus, Ozzie Alonso in front of him — a really competitive area of the field — and he’s up for the challenge. Physically, he’s very imposing, very athletic. Really good personality, he’s very strong-willed and we think he’s going to come in and try to compete.”
The UK Passport holder will join his teammates next week at the opening of preseason camp. It will be Musa’s second MLS stint having previously been part of Sporting KC’s system in 2017 and early 2018.
Musa performed well in his MLS debut back in August 2017 against Alonso’s Seattle Sounders. Musa led Sporting KC in passes (78) and touches (84) before returning to Swope Park Rangers, earning MVP honors and helped the team claim the 2017 Western Conference Championship and back to back USL Cup appearances.
“This is a proud moment for James to return to MLS after proving himself as a winner and impact player with Phoenix these last two seasons while fulfilling his career plan to play at the highest level in North America,” says SSM’s President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. “James is ready for the challenge ahead and expect him to rise to the occasion to compete with a talented roster that looks to improve from their successful 2019 season. I wish James and the club well for the upcoming season.”
Read more: Signing: James Musa Returns to MLS with Minnesota United FC
Goalkeeper Cody Mizell Joins New York City FC's Preseason
Cody Mizell's official start to the 2020 season is earlier than originally planned, as the New Mexico United netminder joins New York City FC ahead of its first leg preseason camp in Orlando, Florida. Mizell joins NYCFC after the club announced its new Head Coach Ronny Delia earlier this year. Mizell started 39 games for New Mexico United in its expansion season helping them to a USL Playoff berth and an impressive US Open Cup Quater-Final run that saw Mizell win two shootouts against Phoenix Rising FC, Colorado Rapids and an upset win against FC Dallas.before eventually losing to Finalists Minnesota United FC.
Mizell remains under contract with New Mexico United after signing a 2-year contract ahead of the 2019 season. Stone Sports Management wishes Cody well during his time with New York City FC! Check out some of Cody's saves from the early part of the 2019 USL Season below.
2019 USL Best XI Striker: Adam Jahn
F – Adam Jahn, Phoenix Rising FC: Jahn recorded 17 goals and five assists on 35 chances created as he helped Phoenix’s attack set a new Championship record for goals in a regular season while also posting a 70.4 passing accuracy rate leading the Rising FC line.
Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) congratulates Phoenix Rising FC Striker Adam Jahn for his selection to the United Soccer League's 2019 First Team! Jahn started his impactful season with two goals in the Mobile-Mini Cup preseason tournament against Real Salt Lake and Portland Timbers. His additional tally in the US Open Cup against New Mexico United moved his season total to 20 Goals. His 18 league goals were tied for 2nd place when omitting penalty kick goals. Not only did Adam score goals at an impressive strike rate and help Phoenix to a North American record winning streak (20 games), wins (24), points (78) and most goals-ever by teammates in USL, Adam helped the front line defensively keeping shutouts throughout the season. Adam earned Team of the Week honors on four occasions, including the Player of the Week during Week 10.
This is Adam's first full season in USL and proved once again that he is one of the best domestic strikers when given consistent playing time. Well done Adam! Watch some of Adam's goals and highlights below.
Montreal Impact, Evan Bush win 2019 Canadian Championship
Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) congratulates Evan Bush and the Montreal Impact for winning the 2019 Canadian Championship. The Impact beat rivals Toronto FC in a second leg penalty shootout away at BMO Field. The veteran netminder did not play in the tournament as the club traditionally involves the backup goalkeeper for this Tournament just as Bush did back in 2014, which is the last time the Impact won the competition (and the only current Impact player still on the roster). The win qualifies the Impact for the 2020 Concacaf Champions League marking the fourth time the Canadian club has qualified for the tournament. Their best finish came when SSM Clients Patrice Bernier and Kristian Nicht suited up in the 2015 Final where they eventually lost to Club America. The win should provide the club positive momentum as new coach Victor Cabrera tries to lead the Impact to the MLS Playoffs. SSM wishes Evan and the Impact well for the rest of the season!
Atlanta United, Kevin Kratz Win 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) congratulates Atlanta United Midfielder Kevin Kratz for lifting the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup! The Five Stripes hosted the Final against fellow 2017 MLS expansion franchise Minnesota United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of a tournament-record 35,709 fans. The 2-1 result made history with Atlanta United's second trophy in less than twelve months after winning the 2018 MLS Cup in December. The trophy earns Atlanta United another entry into the Concacaf Champions League. Click HERE to watch US Soccer's Story of the Game and Click HERE for highlights.
SSM wishes Kevin and Atlanta well for the rest of the MLS season as it looks to repeat as MLS champions!
Phoenix Rising's Adam Jahn and James Musa Connect On USL's Goal of the Week (14)
Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) congratulates Phoenix Rising's Adam Jahn for earning the USL Goal of the Week (14). The 28-year-old striker latched on from a long-distance diagonal ball from James Musa insight Phoenix's own half and calmly slotted the ball home for his 8th goal of the season. This award comes on the heels of being nominated for May's Player of the Month. Please watch the goal below and SSM looks forward to seeing more goals scored by Jahn during the rest of the 2019 USL Season!
Adam Jahn Wins USL Player of the Week (10)
Congratulations to Adam Jahn for his recognition as the USL Player of the Week (10) for his brace against Rio Grande Valley FC last Friday at home. Jahn received almost a third of the vote and completed 27 of 31 passes and recorded one key pass. Jahn now Below are his goals from the game and looking forward to more goals for the rest of the season.