Gotham FC advanced to the NWSL semifinals despite losing 1-0 to Seattle Reign FC in a match marred by a terrible playing surface at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Seattle head coach Laura Harvey called the field "atrocious," criticizing league officials for allowing a playoff game on such a surface, especially given recent rugby and New York Red MLS matches. Gotham FC was fined $10,000 for the conditions.
The pitch was sandy with brown patches, affecting ball bounce and player movement. Gotham became the first team in NWSL history to win a game without recording a shot on target. Jaedyn Shaw's corner kick deflected off Reign defender Jordyn Bugg for an own goal in the fourth minute.
Gotham midfielder Jaelin Howell played despite an ankle injury sustained on the same field last week. Both coaches acknowledged the field's impact on tactics, with Gotham's Juan Carlos Amoros noting players had to focus on the ball's unpredictable bounce. The win sets up potential semifinal venue complications, as Sports Illustrated Stadium may not be available next Saturday due to a Club America friendly, potentially forcing Gotham to play at artificial turf Icahn Stadium.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing