Braxton Montgomery’s journey through the ranks of Phoenix Rising FC has been nothing short of remarkable, exemplifying both the club’s Pathway to Pro and Pathway to College programs. Montgomery recently committed to continue his soccer career at the collegiate level, signing with Northern Illinois University Men’s Soccer, marking yet another significant milestone in his impressive career.
Montgomery first joined Phoenix Rising’s youth second team at just 12 years old in the spring of 2019, under the guidance of coach Vic Davidson. Later that year, he moved up to the club’s ECNL squad for the fall season and embraced the transition when Phoenix Rising entered MLS NEXT competition.
National recognition soon followed, beginning with an invitation in 2021 to the U.S. Youth National Team ID Camp in Los Angeles, where Montgomery showcased his skills at right back. In 2022, he received another invitation to the Regional YNT ID Camp in Casa Grande, Arizona, demonstrating versatility by playing as both a No. 6 and a left back. That same year, Montgomery earned prestigious “Best in Match” team honors at both the MLS NEXT Cup in Dallas (midfield) and the MLS NEXT Fest (left back).
In 2024, Montgomery made his debut with Phoenix Rising’s professional team, playing 25 minutes in a preseason match against the Portland Timbers. He continued to feature prominently in Rising’s 2025 preseason, logging significant minutes against MLS teams San Diego FC and LAFC, as well as participating against Charlotte FC at the Coachella Valley Invitational.
Montgomery’s professional breakthrough accelerated at the start of the 2025 USL Championship regular season, where he made his professional debut with 15 minutes off the bench against FC Tulsa, followed by another appearance against Rhode Island. His development reached new heights when he earned his first professional start, playing the full 90 minutes against Monterey Bay. Montgomery solidified his position further by starting and playing the entire match against No. 1 ranked San Antonio FC, reinforcing his status as a standout player on his journey toward a promising future both professionally and collegiately.
