Gotham FC moves playoff semifinal to Icahn Stadium over field conditions

Gotham FC announced Monday that it is moving its National Women's Soccer League semifinal against the Kansas City Current because of the condition of the field at its home stadium, Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The match will be played Sunday at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island in New York.

President of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West called it an extremely difficult decision. In a letter to fans, she said the club consulted coach Juan Carlos Amorós, the team captains and the ownership, and chose to put a high-quality playing surface for its players first.

Amorós had criticized the pitch after Gotham's 1-0 quarterfinal win over the Seattle Reign on Sunday. The field showed brown spots and divots. The stadium had also hosted a Red Bulls regular-season match the day before and a rugby match earlier in the week.

Icahn Stadium holds about 5,000 fans, compared with more than 20,000 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Tickets will be released in phases, starting with season-ticket holders. Captain Tierna Davidson said a smaller venue means many fans will not be able to attend, but that the team still feels at home wherever it plays.

Stadium issues also affect another semifinal. The Washington Spirit are due to host the Utah Royals on Saturday at Audi Field, which was also set to host a college football game between the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. It was unclear whether that game would be moved. The winners advance to the Nov. 21 championship at Audi Field. Gotham, the top seed, is the defending champion.