Gotham FC head coach apologizes for poor pitch quality at Sports Illustrated Stadium after NWSL quarterfinal win over Seattle Reign
Gotham FC secured a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Reign in the NWSL quarterfinals, but the match was overshadowed by significant concerns regarding the condition of the turf at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The surface exhibited extensive wear, with visible sand and rough patches in the corners and goal areas, prompting Seattle head coach Laura Harvey to criticize the league for allowing a playoff contest on such a degraded field.
Harvey noted that Gotham had already been fined $10,000 for similar issues during their regular-season finale the previous week.
Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós acknowledged the shortcomings in a postgame press conference, stating that while the franchise made every effort to improve the surface, it ultimately failed to meet acceptable standards. Amorós expressed an obligation to apologize for the pitch's state, emphasizing that no players were injured despite the unstable conditions.
Players from both squads, including Gotham defender Jess Carter and Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock, voiced their dissatisfaction with the sandy and uneven playing surface. The situation remains a pressing issue as Gotham, the top seed, is scheduled to host its semifinal match on the same venue next weekend, following a Red Bulls friendly the day prior.
