Phoenix Rising FC's incredible postseason run ended with a 1-0 loss at Louisville City in the United Soccer League Cup final on Thursday night.
Rising won three straight postseason games in order to advance to the USL Cup final, including a pair of victories in front of record home crowds. An estimated 2,000 fans turned out for Rising's watch party at its stadium on Thursday evening.
But Louisville's Luke Spencer scored the game's lone goal about one hour into the game. Rising had several chances to tie in the final minutes but couldn't get the equalizer.
A set piece and @luke_spenc do the trick!@loucityfc are ahead in the 2018 #USLCup!#LOUvPHX | #USLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/6aL72B8fY4
— USL (@USL) November 9, 2018
Staying on the pitch to honor the champs. Congratulations @loucityfc. Let’s do it again next season. #UpRising pic.twitter.com/548Sqw6cov
— (x)-Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) November 9, 2018
The game was the last for soccer legend and Phoenix Rising co-owner Didier Drogba. The 40-year-old former Chelsea FC star scored in each of Rising's three playoff victories.
Fans watching in Tempe held their breath as Rising came close to scoring on multiple occasions. The Bandidos and Red Fury supporters sections were as loud as they typically are for Rising's home games.
It’s almost that time. @PHXRisingFC pic.twitter.com/wNHjagKn2K
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) November 9, 2018
The reaction when Jason Johnson came *that close* to giving @PHXRisingFC the lead in the @USL Cup final. pic.twitter.com/ifDeJeBUGy
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) November 9, 2018
Winds in Tempe picked up in the final minutes of Thursday's game, bringing down of the two inflatable screens set up at the stadium.
Well, not only did Phoenix Rising come up short... one of the two inflatable screens collapsed in the final minutes. pic.twitter.com/XKsAF0P9ac
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleABC15) November 9, 2018
Drogba and Rising now await a big decision from Major League Soccer. Phoenix is one of 10 cities vying for two expansion MLS teams. There is no timetable for a decision on the allocation of those teams.
Rising's playoff run came in just its second season after being rebranded and relocated to the East Valley. Its ownership group is led by Kona Grill CEO Berke Bakay and includes Fall Out Boy guitarist Pete Wentz and former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon McCarthy.
