On July 9, 2016, the NWSL confronted a crisis when the Seattle Reign FC traveled to Rochester Rhinos Stadium for a match against the Western New York Flash. The venue, a minor‑league baseball park, was converted into a 58 yards wide field that barely met soccer standards.

Coach Laura Harvey inspected the pitch before kickoff, noting uneven turf and misaligned goals. She warned Commissioner Jeff Plush that the Reign would not play on an unfit field. Plush later insisted the game must proceed, forcing the Reign to accept a 3‑2 loss.

The narrow field turned every throw‑in into a long shot into the box, and injuries flared as goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer twisted her ankle and defender Rachel Corsie tweaked her MCL. The Flash capitalized, scoring three quick goals to win the match, while the incident sparked viral criticism from USWNT stars Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd.

League officials issued apologies, admitting the field dimensions were not up to standard and citing a lack of oversight. The episode tarnished the NWSL’s image but also highlighted the growing trend of baseball parks hosting soccer, a trend that will be tested again at the upcoming Queens Classic, where Gotham FC aims to set a new attendance record.