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USL Phoenix Rising FC

Phoenix Rising FC Signs Four Players to USL Academy Contracts

March 10, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Phoenix Rising FC has signed four local academy players, Liam Mullins, Santi Hanus, Efetobo Aror and Joel Torbic to USL Academy contracts, the club announced today.

USL Academy contracts allow young players to train and compete against professional players in the USL Championship while retaining their college eligibility.

"These four players have been with us all preseason and have earned their places on this roster," said Head Coach Juan Guerra. "This is part of the culture we want to create. A clear pathway for our academy players and young talent in the state of Arizona. I'm happy for them to take this step in their careers."

Mullins spent the past four years in the Phoenix Rising Academy after moving to the Valley from Dublin, Ireland. Mullins is a member of Rising's MLS Next squad. He is committed to play for DePaul University next fall.

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Hanus spent time in both the FC Tucson Academy and Barça Residency Academy, before joining Rising's MLS Next Academy team. The center back was selected to play in the 2022 MLS Next All-Star Game in December 2022. He is committed to play at UNLV this fall.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Aror spent the past three seasons at the Barça Residency Academy. Aror was a member of the U17 MLS Next team that won the Southwest Division title in 2021. He plans to return to the Barca Academy for his senior season, beginning this fall.

Born in State College, Pennsylvania, Torbic was part of the Philadelphia Union Academy before transferring to Barça Residency Academy in 2021. He also represented Rising's Academy in the MLS Next All-Star Game in 2022.

Transaction: Rising signs Liam Mullins, Santi Hanus, Efetobo Aror and Joel Torbic to USL Academy Contracts

Name: Liam Mullins

No: 40

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 160

DOB: July 15, 2005 (17)

Born: Chicago, Illinois

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Position: Forward

Name: Santi Hanus

No: 35

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 170

DOB: April 8, 2005 (17)

Born: Tucson, Arizona

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Position: Defender

Name: Efetobo "Tobo" Aror

Pronunciation: F-ay-toe-bo A-Roar

No: 36

Ht: 5-7

Wt: 135

DOB: September 26, 2005 (17)

Born: Atlanta, Georgia

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Position: Midfielder

Name: Joel Torbic

No: 33

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 155

DOB: October 14, 2005 (17)

Born: State College, Pennsylvania

Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania

Position: Midfielder

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