PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Friday it had acquired defender Daniel Flores on loan with an option to buy from Liga MX side C.D. Chivas Guadalajara. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
A native of Tucson, Flores began his professional career in the RSL Academy system (2018-2021), before he made the move to C.D. Chivas Guadalajara in 2022.
“It feels good to be back home, closer to family,” said Flores. “It’s a lot of motivation and a big deal for me to play in front of them.”
Flores made his professional debut in the USL Championship for Real Monarchs SLC against New Mexico United in September 2020 at the age of 17. He went on to make 21 appearances for Real Monarchs between 2020-21 before joining Chivas’ Academy.
In Mexico, Flores appeared in 56 matches for Chivas’ U19 and U21 youth sides, scoring two goals. In 2024, the defender progressed within the club to C.D. Tapatío, Chivas’ reserve team in the Liga de Expansión MX, where he netted two goals across 36 appearances. Notably, Flores has appeared in two matches with Chivas’ First Team.
“[Flores] being able to come back as an Arizona kid, that means a lot,” said Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah said. “We’re looking for him to add quality into our back line. We’re very happy to have him and I’m looking forward to working with him.”