FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix Rising FC Signs New Zealand International Defensive Midfielder James Musa

Stone Sports Management, LLC (Columbus, Ohio) – March 1, 2018

Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) announces Phoenix Rising FC’s (“PRFC”) signing of New Zealand International Defensive Midfielder James Musa to a 2-year deal ahead of the 2018 USL Season. The 25-year old UK Passport holder joins MLS Expansion candidate PRFC from Major League Soccer’s Sporting KC and coming off his most successful professional season and return to the New Zealand National Team. 

Sporting KC promoted Musa in August 2017 from its affiliate Swope Park Rangers transitioned immediately to a 90-minute start against back to back MLS Western Conference Champions Seattle Sounders, leading Sporting KC in passes (78) and touches (84). Musa earned Swope Park MVP honors and helped the team claim the 2017 Western Conference Championship and back to back USL Cup appearances. Musa is no stranger to PRFC having played against them on several occasions over the past seasons, including a 104 passing (95.3% accuracy) performance.

“I am honored to have joined Phoenix Rising FC after watching closely the club’s evolution over the past few seasons on and off the field,” remarked Musa. “Phoenix Rising FC was always one of the more difficult opponents and hope that my experience and qualities will help the club earn trophies this season and beyond. The Club’s first-class ownership, training facilities, coaching staff, front office and roster quality as well as a chance to play in front of a packed stadium were all huge factors in my decision. I have one thing in mind this year and that is lifting the USL Final Trophy and cannot wait to join the group to get started on this new challenge.”

Musa joins PRFC whom recently announced Advantage Sports Union Ltd, led by Chairman Alex Zheng, as part of its already diverse ownership group, which many industry leaders believe is a significant piece for the club to land an MLS expansion franchise during the next expansion round. PRFC’s most identifiable player is Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba who also is part owner. It is expected Musa will complement an already impressive USL roster with MLS, International and USL All-League experience to compete against the USL’s elite franchises.

“James had no shortage of options and ultimately decided on Phoenix Rising FC after the club made a big impression with similar goals for 2018 and the club’s infrastructure and future to grow the sport locally, nationally and internationally,” says SSM’s President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. “I want to thank PRFC’s COO Bob Dulle and the entire Coaching Staff for their professionalism throughout the recruitment process and wish James and the club well for the upcoming season.”

Musa started his United States career with Saint Louis FC joining them on a 2-year contract in its inaugural season. The club’s first Captain was a consistent starter (starting 27 games each season) and made an off-season loan to Team Wellington. Musa made his professional debut with Australian A-league outfit Wellington Phoenix during the 2010-11 season and would later sign with Waitakere City helping them to the Finals and earned a U20 New Zealand World Cup selection.

After impressing during the 2012 London Olympics, Musa signed with Fulham FC and spent time on loan to Conference club Hereford. In the 2013-14 season, Musa returned to New Zealand with Team Wellington of the ASB Premiership (2013/14 season) and led the club to the Grand Finals and Oceania Champions League birth. He then signed w/South Melbourne FC for 2-years and was a backline staple.

PRFC returns to Arizona this weekend after playing in the club’s first international friendly yesterday in Ecuador and begins USL play March 17 against Orange County SC before making its home debut March 24 versus OKC Energy FC. 

Click HERE to watch Musa’s 2017 Sporting KC/ Swope Park Rangers Highlights and make sure to follow James on Instagram: musa41_. Congratulations to James Musa and make sure to follow him this season by clicking on Phoenix Rising FC’s schedule HERE.

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About Stone Sports Management, LLC

From developmental to Designated Players, Stone Sports Management, LLC is a Columbus, Ohio based boutique agency representing football/soccer players domestically and internationally. Led by President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone, SSM has established itself as a leading North American agency since its 2008 inception by taking a cooperative approach to athlete representation, which provides increased opportunities for its clients. After gaining trust from clients representing over 75 different nationalities, Mr. Stone has negotiated more than 150 contracts for his clients with clubs based in Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States, including more than 20 international clients to MLS/NASL/USL.