USL Championship Final canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today that the 2020 USL Championship Final scheduled for Sunday, November 1 will not be played.

The decision has been made for the health and safety of everyone involved after multiple persons on the Tampa Bay Rowdies covered persons list tested positive for COVID-19 upon a second round of rapid testing on Saturday morning at the Tampa Bay Rays’ medical facilities. The affected individuals have been immediately isolated at home, are recovering in good spirits under the care of team physicians and infectious disease experts, and all league, local and state health and wellness protocols continue to be followed.

USL HQ, in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Phoenix Rising FC, has therefore made the determination that the season will conclude after Tampa Bay and Phoenix each progressed through their conference playoffs to win the Eastern Conference and Western Conference titles, respectively, last Saturday.

“First and foremost, we want to applaud these two teams on an incredible season,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “They deserved the opportunity to play for the USL Championship Final trophy and we are disappointed that we won’t be able to watch them on Sunday night. With that said, we want to thank all of our clubs, our supporters, our players and our staff for all of their time, hard work and energy this season. We’ve grown closer under difficult circumstances and we can’t wait to be back together again soon.”

Additionally, USL HQ, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Phoenix Rising FC will explore the possibility of a 2021 Season Kickoff game between the two clubs prior to the start of the 2021 Championship season.

“While we are disappointed that the Championship and League One Finals have been cancelled, we understand and appreciate the decision to put player health and wellness first,” said the USL Players Association Executive Committee. “We look forward to seeing all our players back in action at the start of next season.

More information will be announced as soon as it is available.