PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Wednesday the club had acquired midfielder Charlie Dennis for an undisclosed transfer fee from fellow USL Championship club the Tampa Bay Rowdies and signed him to a new multi-year contract.

Dennis will be available for selection in Rising’s contest against El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday night.

“I am really excited to be joining Phoenix,” said Dennis. “I am looking forward to meeting former teammates, the coaching staff and the front office. As one door closes, another opens… I am excited for the opportunity to prove myself with Phoenix Rising.”

A native of Brighton, England, Dennis was voted to the USL Championship’s All-League First Team in the 2023 campaign as he recorded 11 goals and three assists for the side. This season, Dennis has notched one goal and one assist in 15 appearances but ranked second on the Rowdies with 26 chances created in 503 minutes of action.

Analysis

Rising’s acquisition of Charlie Dennis from the Rowdies speaks to the need for reinvigoration in the attacking third for the defending Championship title holders, with the side having recorded only 19 goals in 18 outings this season. Dennis isn’t an out-and-out scoring threat, but his eye for goal was in evidence in Tampa Bay last season as he posted a career-best campaign.

Where Dennis’ addition should benefit Phoenix is chance creation, however. Dennis averaged 2.7 chances created per 90 minutes during his time with the Rowdies, with just over one-third of his chances created this season (9 of 26) coming from set pieces. As Phoenix looks for a spark, Dennis should get plenty of opportunity to drive the side’s playoff push.