The Arizona Storm will return for a second season and will move from Phoenix to nearby Prescott Valley where they have signed a lease to play at the 5,100 seat Tim's Toyota Center.
The expansion Tucson Extreme's inaugural season was pushed back to 2013/14. "We regret to inform everyone that changes within the Tucson Convention Center staffing created conflicts in scheduling and we are suspending our 2012 season," said Extreme Managing Partner Tom Mitchell in a statement. "We look forward to working with the Convention Center in hopes of return for the 2013 season."
The moves by the Storm and Extreme created a scheduling opportunity for the PASL to accelerate the launch of Real Phoenix, an expansion team that initially intended to begin in 2013/14.
Led by Rosario Lopez, Jr., Real Phoenix will immediately begin a branding initiative to build momentum heading into their first professional season this November.
Lopez is a 19 year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, a former Arizona Cotton player, and current CEO of Real Phoenix Football Club.
Real will play this season at Phoenix Sports Centre at 3839 W Indian School Road in Phoenix.
Real Phoenix will introduce its coaching staff at an upcoming press conference.
The team will also field a developmental team in the PASL-Premier as well as a women's team.
"Real Phoenix Professional Arena Soccer is taking flight in the PASL," said an ethusiastic Lopez, "and we will elevate arena soccer to new heights"
