Phoenix FC eliminated from playoff contention

Even before the recent run of good results, it was always going to be difficult for Phoenix FC to earn a postseason berth.

After Wednesday night’s 2-1 loss to Harrisburg City Islanders at Reach11Sports Complex’s Field1in north Phoenix, Phoenix FC’s elimination from playoff contention is official.

The Wolves (5-12-7) can now focus everything on seeing out the season (they have two matches left, both at home) with a more stabilized operational budget and preparing for a second season in USL PRO. Phoenix FC coach David Robertson had said the team had already been doing that the past few weeks but, at least now, any delusions of semigrandeur can be dismissed.

Phoenix FC, which lost for just the third time in its last 10 matches, has moved its home matches from Arizona State’s Sun Devil Soccer Stadium because Reach 11 Sports Complex, at $2,500 per match, is cheaper. Team officials are current- ly searching for a new home. And the process of offering second-year contracts to certain players on the team has begun.

“It’s good to have the last couple of games to really see who’s going to be back next year,” Phoenix FC defender Cyprian Hedrick said. “And kind of give people who hadn’t had much of a chance an opportunity to prove themselves whether or not they’ll be back here. We love this game. It’s very joyful for us, but it’s still a job. Decisions need to be made and some people need to be let go. That’s a part of this business.”

But the season isn’t done. Phoenix FC will try to keep its 10th position in the 13-team league standings and has a very slight chance of moving up a spot. It needed to win out the rest of the season and a lot of help from other teams to make the postseason.

Phoenix FC tied it at 1 in the 50th minute Wednesday when Donny Toia finished a David Paul diagonal pass. Harrisburg took the lead 17 minutes later and added a goal two minutes into stoppage time.