Phoenix Rising’s new winger is under no illusion about the size of the task ahead of him, following in the footsteps of some of the league’s best players in that position over recent years.

“It’s definitely big shoes [to fill] when you come in because of the type of talent that Phoenix has had on the wings, and currently has, but that’s something I pride myself on,” Marcus Epps said. “I love competition. I think it brings out the best in players and a team, so I’m just eager to be involved in that wonderful group of wingers and try to help the team.”

Last week, the club announced that Epps had put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

“This year, I wanted to go somewhere that competes for championships, that prides itself in its training environments, game environments and has a clear standard,” Epps said. “There’s no better team than Phoenix in that right. They have a clear standard that they showcase every year, so that’s just something that was very enticing for me when I was making my decisions this offseason.”

Epps is joining from San Antonio, who he helped reach a conference final during his one year in Texas.

“It was a very difficult decision [to leave],” he said. “I felt very attached to San Antonio. It’s a wonderful club. The city’s great. The fan base is great as well. I definitely built a strong connection with San Antonio at the time, but that was something that was discussed prior to me showing up to San Antonio. I wanted to come in and help provide a championship run, and possibly set myself up for something bigger the following year. That was something that was talked about when negotiating with San Antonio.”

Instead, he’s now heading further west, to the location of his first ever game in the Western Conference: a match that he lost 6-1 with Portland Timbers 2 to open the 2019 season.

“I was very excited, and it was a great first game of the year as far as atmosphere and environment, but the result was tough,” Epps said. “I quickly learned Phoenix’s style of play first hand, and the environment and the fans and stuff, but it was honestly a great experience. It’s something I always remembered, and that definitely played a part in my decision-making this year.”

Epps said that he’s ready to compete for his spot on the pitch, and that Phoenix’s attack-minded playing style suits his game. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t setting himself goals to improve on this year.

“I definitely want to improve my goalscoring and be a better one-v-one defender,” he said. “I think those two things are always helpful for whatever team you join, and it’s always helpful for improving your game. So, I’m looking for that and I’m just really looking to mesh with like-minded players.”

Now, he’s joining a side who counts among its rivals Orange County – the team that knocked him out of the playoffs last year. But is he looking forward to that match just a bit more?

“Yes, sir,” Epps laughed. “I would not be telling the truth if I said I have not been looking forward to playing Orange County again. I’m happy they’re in our group now.”