Greenville Triumph gifted USL League One title after Union Omaha COVID outbreak
The USL League One final between Greenville Triumph SC and Union Omaha, originally set for Oct. 30, has been canceled due to a rash of positive COVID-19 tests among those on Omaha’s “covered persons list,” the league announced Thursday.
Instead, the Triumph have been awarded the title after amassing a league-leading 35 points in the regular season. They were the only side to average north of two points per game.
The USL cited an agreement reached before play resumed that a champion would be determined by points per game played should any pandemic-related setbacks force a shortened season. MLS announced a similar plan as well, one it reiterated again Thursday while confirming that not all its teams will complete a full 23-match slate.
Omaha finished second in the USL League One table with 29 points. The expansion side also claimed second in points per game to earn a spot in the final.
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“While we’re collectively very disappointed that the final could not be played, we’d like to congratulate both clubs on a fantastic 2020 season,” USL president Jake Edwards said in a statement. “Union Omaha have been a wonderful addition to our league this season and we cannot wait to witness all of their future success. We also want to congratulate our League One title-winners, Triumph SC, who have been terrific throughout the 16-game regular season and have earned the trophy. We want to thank both clubs for their class and professionalism. The future of League One remains incredibly bright.”
It’s certainly an interesting action taken by the USL, one that yields perhaps more questions than answers. Why cancel the final outright the day before the event rather than postpone it? Even if a cancelation ultimately ended up happening, why not at least play things by ear to see if there’s an opportunity to squeeze in the final in the coming weeks ?
Moreover, why were so few details offered regarding the outbreak at Union Omaha beyond the acknowledgement that multiple individuals tested positive and are under home quarantine?
Most concerning of all is that the club just hosted an Oct. 24 home match with an official attendance of 2,700. While the actual attendance appeared lower than the tickets-sold number judging by game footage, the possibility of it having been a potential superspreader event is a real one.
Omaha edged Fort Lauderdale CF 1-nil on a stoppage-time volley by Evan Conway that night to qualify for the final.
For Greenville, the club’s first championship trophy comes in just its second season of existence. The John Harkes-coached side improved upon its impressive 2019 expansion season in which it finished third in the regular season and runner-up in the playoffs.
A request for comment from the USL has not yet been returned. This story will be updated to reflect it if received.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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