USL Phoenix Rising FC

Phoenix Rising FC Transfers Kevon Lambert to Real Salt Lake

Published on August 16, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Phoenix Rising FC defender Kevon Lambert
Phoenix Rising FC defender Kevon Lambert
(Phoenix Rising FC)

PHOENIX, Arizona - Phoenix Rising FC has transferred defender Kevon Lambert to Major League Soccer side, Real Salt Lake, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

"It has been a long ride, but I've loved every single moment," said Lambert. "We won a lot of trophies. The players and coaches I shared the locker room with... The staff, the front office, everyone was incredible. I've had a lot of great memories here at Phoenix Rising. I'm going to miss it all. This is a bittersweet moment because it all went by so fast. I came here as a boy and I'm leaving here as a man. I've grown a lot. I've learned a lot. The place Phoenix Rising got me to has allowed me to go to the next level. I just want to say thank you to everyone. Thank you. I appreciate you all."

Rising's all-time leader in appearances with 161 across all competitions, Lambert scored 15 goals and had 10 assists while playing as a defensive midfielder and defender for the club since 2017. Lambert, 26, has led Phoenix in several defensive categories each season, helping the club claim the 2018 and 2020 Western Conference Championship as well as the 2019 Regular Season Title.

"Kev is quiet off the field, but is full of character on the pitch," said Rising Head Coach Juan Guerra. "He protects his own. You can see he loves his teammates and the club he his is playing for, especially when he represents Jamacia. He represents everything Phoenix Rising stands for and has given back so much to the organization. We're going to miss him. He has left such a mark in Phoenix that we now have a clear idea of the type of character we want in new players. As long as we continue to bring in players like him, we'll be ok."

Lambert recently returned from international duty with Jamaica during the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, where the Reggae Boyz advanced to the tournament semifinals. Playing as a defensive midfielder, Lambert logged 270 minutes in four appearances, bringing his total number of international Caps to 23.

Lambert added 1,349 minutes and one goal in 15 appearances for Rising this season. One of the premier defensive midfielders in the USL Championship, Lambert ranked second in duels won during the 2022 season with 238. He was one of only eight players to surpass 200 duels won in the league overall. Lambert led Phoenix in tackles won (59) and duels won (118) in 2018 as a 21-year-old, improving those numbers each season. He has led the team in interceptions since 2019, recording a total of 260 since signing with Phoenix Rising on August 10, 2017.

Prior to joining Rising, Lambert appeared in 12 matches with Jamaican side Montego Bay United in 2016-17. He was on trial at West Ham United ahead of the 2016-17 English Premier League season.

Transaction: Phoenix Rising transfers Kevon Lambert to MLS side, Real Salt Lake

Name: Kevon Lambert

Pronunciation: Kev-in

POS: Midfielder

DOB: March 22, 1997 (26)

Hometown: Saint James Parish, Jamaica

Height: 6-3

Weight: 175

Twitter: @k_lmbrt27

Instagram: @ k_lmbrt27

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Phoenix Rising FC defender Kevon Lambert
Phoenix Rising FC defender Kevon Lambert
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 16, 2023


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