Sports stats

USL Phoenix Rising FC

Kelly Credits Teammates with Transition to Arizona

June 16, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Moving can be challenging. Just the logistics of shipping personal belongings can be physically draining. Yet, the hardest part for many is leaving behind lifelong family and friends.

For defender Peter Kelly, those worries evaporated in the Arizona heat.

Kelly was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. And by attending college at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, he remained in the heart of the Midwest for the earliest parts of his soccer playing years. He even made his professional debut last season with Saint Louis FC, not straying too far from where he grew up.

But in 2016, Kelly has welcomed the change of scenery with an open mind.

"Last year I was in my home town with all of my family and friends there," Kelly said. "It was difficult at first to come out here but I was ready for a move out of St. Louis. I like the new experience out here."

Kelly's new living situation, spending more off-the-field time with his teammates, has eased the transition.

"Last year I lived at home," Kelly said. "This year I'm living at the apartments with the team. It's nice to have the guys around all the time and we have a good group of guys. It's easy to get along with everyone."

Between time at the apartment, practices, matches, and team-building activities like hiking Pinnacle Peak, Kelly has built a comfortable support system around himself. And he is particularly close with his new roommate, and fellow defender, Uchenna Uzo.

"It's nice to have another defender living with me," Kelly said. "We talk about the team and what we can do for the backline to improve things."

Even though Kelly didn't stray too far from home for much of his soccer career, he's embracing his new home and the opportunity to continue playing soccer professionally.

Said Kelly: "It's been a fun ride so far."

Check out the Phoenix Rising FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 16, 2016


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



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central