
Forward Damian Rivera Named to USL Championship Team of the Week 3
March 25, 2025 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release
Phoenix Rising forward Damian Rivera has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week 3 bench, USL announced today. Rivera finished with a goal and led all Rising players in chances created (2) as the club came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Rhode Island FC on March 22 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.
The forward, known as "Tico" around the team for his Costa Rican heritage, showcased every ounce of his quality to score his first goal with the club. Receiving a low ball at the top of the box, Rivera used his first touch to make a half-turn, evading a pair of defenders, before using his left foot to drive the ball into the right side of the net for his Goal of The Week-candidate strike.
"Tico is a good player," teammate Ihsan Sacko said following the match. "He has good quality in one vs. one. He has to work because he's young, but I think he's one of the best players in the USL."
Rivera has now started all three matches to begin the 2025 season. Through 251 minutes, the forward leads the team in shots on target (3) and is off and running on the score sheet.
Rising and Rivera are back in action this weekend against Monterey Bay FC. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. (PT) on Saturday, March 29, at Cardinale Stadium.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 25, 2025
- The Ball Is Back: The Somos Unidos Foundation Launches Year Four of Annual Gala - New Mexico United
- April 23 & 25: Republic FC Academy Hosts Annual Tryouts - Sacramento Republic FC
- Meet the First Indomitable Educators of the 2025 Season - Sacramento Republic FC
- Justin Dhillon Named to Team of the Week Bench for Week 3 - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Game Preview: Rhode Island FC at Loudoun United FC: March 29, 2025 - Rhode Island FC
- JJ Williams Named to USL Championship Week 3 Team of the Week - Rhode Island FC
- Jordan Stewart Named Coach of the Week; Campuzano, Paul, Søjberg Earn USL Championship Team of the Week Honors - Monterey Bay FC
- Nick Moon Named to USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 3 - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Russell Cicerone Earns Second Team of the Week Selection this Season - Sacramento Republic FC
- Forward Damian Rivera Named to USL Championship Team of the Week 3 - Phoenix Rising FC
- Bruno Rendon Earns USLC "Team of the Week" Honors - Indy Eleven
- Kobe Hernandez-Foster Named to USL Championship Team of the Week - Birmingham Legion FC
- Arthur Rogers Nets USL Championship Team of the Week 3 Bench Nod - FC Tulsa
- Ilijah Paul Named USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 3 - Monterey Bay FC
- Lynn Family Stadium Development to Start with Butchertown Apartments - Louisville City FC
- San Antonio FC to Host Union Deportiva Las Palmas on May 31 - San Antonio FC
- Johnny Damon Brings Championship-Level Hydration to Miami FC with A-GAME - Miami FC
- Detroit City FC Signs Goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva to a Two-Year Deal - Detroit City FC
- LUFC Drops Tough Battle to L'Ville City FC on the Road - Loudoun United FC
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Phoenix Rising FC Stories
- Match Preview: Phoenix Rising at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Phoenix Rising Partners with America First Credit Union in Community-Focused Multi-Year Deal
- Phoenix Rising Mutually Parts Ways with Defender Casey Walls
- Phoenix Rising Falls 1-0 in USL Jägermeister Cup Opener Against San Antonio FC at Phoenix Rising Stadium
- USL Jägermeister Cup Match Preview: Phoenix Rising vs San Antonio FC

