The club is shifting its home semifinal against the Kansas City Current from its usual New Jersey venue to the much smaller Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island.
Gotham FC announced Monday that it is relocating its NWSL semifinal playoff match against the Kansas City Current away from its typical home venue in Harrison, New Jersey, citing the condition of the playing surface. The game will instead be played Sunday at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island in Manhattan, a far smaller venue than the club's regular home.
President of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West called it an extremely difficult decision that was not taken lightly. She said the choice came after consultation with coach Juan Carlos Amorós, the team's captains, and ownership, with the priority being a playing surface that lets the athletes perform at their best. Averbuch West emphasized that providing players with a high-quality surface is a responsibility the club takes seriously.
The pitch had been described as atrocious following Gotham's quarterfinal match against the Seattle Reign, which was played at the same stadium. The venue switch stands in contrast to the Washington Spirit, whose relationship with D.C. United helped them secure Audi Field for their own semifinal. Gotham's players will now have to adjust to a much smaller stage for a match with a trip to the final on the line.