Sports stats



USL Phoenix Rising FC

Rising Release Joint Statement with San Diego Loyal

October 3, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


PHOENIX, Ariz. - Phoenix Rising FC and San Diego Loyal released the following statement today.

Yesterday, the ownership groups of San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC met to discuss the unfortunate events of this past Wednesday evening and pledged to work together to ensure that this moment could be used by all involved to teach, build, and ultimately make our sport, our league, and our communities better, more compassionate places.

To help foster a greater sense of understanding and empathy towards one another, as well as to bring awareness to the realities of conscious and unconscious biases, the clubs have committed to working together towards the development of educational programs where players, staff and supporters will meet to share their backgrounds and life experiences.

"Prejudiced language and bigotry has no place in sport or anywhere else for that matter," said Berke Bakay, Governor of Phoenix Rising FC. "The on-field events of Wednesday's match could not be more contrary to the values of our organization. Bringing both clubs together to fight prejudice will undoubtedly lead to great things. We look forward to the implementation of these educational programs and hope that they can serve as a model for our league."

"We've received affirmation and an outpouring of support following our actions these last two matches," said Warren Smith, Co-Founder and President of SD Loyal SC. "The purpose of our stand was to raise awareness, spread love and eliminate hate in all forms. We believe in second chances and look forward to working with Phoenix Rising on productive ways we can forgive, educate, and grow from these moments."

The two clubs also look forward to facing each other again during the 2021 season.

With love and respect,

- San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC.

Check out the Phoenix Rising FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 3, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central