Phoenix Rising FC cedes chance to host USL Championship Final,

Phoenix Rising FC will cede the rights to host the USL Championship Final at Casino Arizona Field if it defeats El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday.

The decision comes out of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community after Phoenix’s Junior Flemmings called San Diego’s Collin Martin, who is openly gay, a homophobic slur during a match on Sept. 30.

“While our dream has been to host a USL Championship Final in Phoenix, the integrity of our Club and city comes first,” said Phoenix Rising FC governor Berke Bakay in a statement. “If we are fortunate to prevail over a very strong opponent in El Paso Locomotive and earn a position for our team to play in the USL Championship Final, we would prefer to shine a positive light on our commitment to the LGBTQ community and amplify the need for acceptance and equality in professional sports.”

Despite leading 2-0 at halftime of its Sept. 30 match, San Diego forfeited the match against Phoenix to stand with Martin and the LGBTQ+ community. Because of this action, the three points were allocated to Phoenix, despite the club attempting to forfeit them as well.

The points allowed Phoenix to match against Eastern Conference club Louisville City FC in the first and second tiebreakers — total points and victories. Phoenix would win the third tiebreaker, goal differential, and be able to host the Final over Louisville if the two clubs were to meet.

Prior to Phoenix’s announcement, Louisville City head coach John Hackworth believed the forfeit gave Phoenix an unfair advantage, he told the Louisville Courier Journal.

“For them (Phoenix) to gain an advantage — a really big advantage — for the biggest game of the year and the first time ever being on ESPN from that situation, if the tables were turned, I don’t think I would want to take that opportunity. I would want to make a decision that was right for all of us in that case.”

With both clubs one game away from the final match, Louisville will have the home-field edge against either Western Conference foe. Even if Louisville loses vs. the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Phoenix would travel to Florida for the Final.

Kickoff for Saturday’s match against El Paso is 7:30 p.m. at Casino Arizona Field.