Phoenix Rising FC is preparing for its playoff match against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday without high-scoring forward Junior Flemmings.

The USL suspended Flemmings for six games for the use of a homophobic slur during a game last week.

The USL was unable to confirm that Flemmings directed the slur toward San Diego Loyal SC’s Collin Martin, but that he did indeed use foul language on the pitch. The club will be without Flemmings and head coach Rick Schantz, who are both on leave.

“We (Phoenix Rising FC) don’t throw people out at their lowest moments,” said Bobby Dulle, Phoenix Rising FC general manager. “Both Rick and Junior are fundamentally really good people and have core values. We’re going to support them and use this as an opportunity to move forward.”

Flemmings won the 2020 Golden Boot award for scoring a league-high 14 goals this season, which began in March but was suspended soon after because of the coronavirus pandemic. Play resumed in July. Forward Solomon Asante took home the 2020 Assists Champion, his second straight season doing so.

With the home playoff game coming up, interim manager Blair Gavin is still confident in the team’s ability even without Schantz and Flemmings.

“A lot of responsibilities get divided out,” Gavin said. “Everyone’s been chipping in. Everyone’s been doing that much more to help the cause. I’m very thankful for all the staff members here. It’s the next guy that has to step up. There is no other option.”

Sacramento Republic FC finished second in Group A, but boasts one of the deepest attacking groups in the USL. The clubs did not play this regular season.

“It’s a historic club,” Gavin said. “They’re been here for a long time. They’ve been successful for a long time. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, as well as the guys.”

Despite winning Group B and finishing as the second best team in the Western Conference, Rising FC is not looking too far ahead.

“Our message has been, ‘We’ve had a really good regular season, we’ve battled through a lot of adversity and all we got was an extra week of fútbol’,” Gavin said. “All we have is one extra game. Our players’ mindset is Sacramento, and how we win this game.”

Phoenix Rising FC and Sacramento Republic FC will play at Casino Arizona Field on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.