Gotham FC Moves Semifinal to Manhattan Island for Better Pitch
The club shifted its match against Kansas City to Icahn Stadium due to field damage at its New Jersey home venue.
By Priya Marino ·
Gotham FC shifted its National Women’s Soccer League semifinal against the Kansas City Current to a smaller venue on Manhattan’s Randall’s Island. The team will play at Icahn Stadium on Sunday instead of its usual home ground in New Jersey.
President of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West confirmed the change in a letter to fans. She explained that the decision came after discussions with coach Juan Carlos Amorós, team captains, and ownership. The group prioritized a playing surface that would allow the athletes to perform at their highest level. Averbuch West described the choice as difficult but necessary to ensure a high-quality competitive environment.
Coach Amorós previously expressed concern about the condition of the field at Sports Illustrated Stadium. He made these comments after Gotham defeated the Seattle Reign 1-0 in the quarterfinals on Sunday. Amorós stated that he felt an obligation to apologize for the state of the pitch. The turf had visible brown spots and divots during that match.
The field issues were compounded by a busy schedule at the New Jersey venue. The stadium hosted an MLS match between the Red Bulls and Atlanta United the day before the quarterfinal. A rugby match also took place at the site earlier in the week. These events contributed to the wear and tear on the grass.
The move to Icahn Stadium significantly reduces capacity. The island venue holds only 5,000 fans, whereas Sports Illustrated Stadium seats more than 20,000. Season-ticket holders will have access to the first phase of ticket sales. Captain Tierna Davidson acknowledged the impact on supporters who will not be able to attend. She noted that the fans have treated every ground as home, and that dynamic would continue on Sunday.
Another NWSL team is facing a similar venue conflict this weekend. The Washington Spirit have a scheduling clash with a college football game at Audi Field. The Spirit announced Sunday night that they will play their semifinal against the Utah Royals at that venue on Saturday. Audi Field was set to host the Secretaries' Cup between the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Organizers have not yet clarified if the football game will be moved or rescheduled.
The winners of these semifinal matches will advance to the NWSL championship on November 21. That final will also take place at Audi Field. Gotham enters this weekend as the top seed and the defending league champions.
