Phoenix rising secures playoff berth after chaotic regular season finish

Phoenix Rising secured a spot in the USL Championship playoffs following a tense regular season conclusion that required outside assistance from other league matchups. After blowing a lead to finish with a draw against Lexington SC at Phoenix Rising Stadium, players initially believed their postseason hopes had evaporated. Forward Ihsan Sacko said he felt profound sadness at that exact moment because he thought the team had failed to qualify.

Relief arrived shortly afterward when results from across the conference filtered into the facility. Losses by both the Oakland Roots and Orange County SC, combined with a late comeback victory by Sacramento against the Roots, propelled Phoenix into the final postseason berth in the Western Conference. Sacko earned the 2026 USL Championship Golden Boot this year by finishing as the league leading scorer with 17 goals despite missing time due to a groin injury.

Head coach Pa-Modou Kah guided the squad through a turbulent schedule marked by injuries across every position. The team lost dynamic attackers Damian Rivera and Kelvin Arase alongside defenders Charlie Dennis and Daniel Flores for substantial portions of the year. Despite the roster instability and inconsistent momentum that included a three-game losing streak heading into the final stretch, the group managed to extend its campaign.

Goalkeeper Chituru Odunze praised the resilience shown by his teammates during the demanding months of competition. The squad now turns its focus entirely to the opening round of the playoffs. Phoenix will travel to Albuquerque to play against longtime rival New Mexico United on Sunday at 5 in the afternoon mountain standard time.