Ryan Flood makes surprise appearance for Phoenix Rising back home in America

Ryan Flood was part of the Phoenix Rising side that was defeated 2-0 by LA Galaxy II in a pre-season friendly in Arizona on Friday night. 

The former Finn Harps man was listed as a ‘trialist’ in the side and speaking after, assistant coach Danny Stone had this to say about the left midfielder. 

“Ryan has been with us for a few days this week. We’re in need of a player in that position. We are dealing with a couple of injuries. And we needed to bring people in. 

“Ryan trained with us and, obviously, played tonight. As far as what that looks like moving forward for him, I don’t have a commitment to give on that right now. We’ll speak with Ryan, the staff and see how that moves into next week. 

“I’m pleased he was with us - he did a good job. We’ll talk and see where we land with that particular situation”. 

The player was previously contracted to Harps and the club had held firm on the American as he was linked to moves to a number of League of Ireland Premier Division teams. 

But in mid-February boss Darren Murphy said the player was returning to the States on “compassionate leave”. 

“It is indefinitely at the moment,” Murphy explained at the time. 

“We don't know for how long. At the end of the day, Ryan needs a break. He needs to be at home with his family.

“We understand that as a football club, the group of players understand that and I understand that. We draw a line in the sand now and we move on. “At this time, Ryan needs to be at home with his family.”

Flood scored 14 goals for Harps last season and was the top goal scorer having appeared in 37 games.

Flood signed a two-year deal at Finn Park in 2023 so it will be interesting to see if a transfer fee will be involved if Flood hooks up with Phoenix on a permanent basis.