The Leagues Cup match between D.C. United and Santos Laguna on July 31 has been moved from Audi Field to Subaru Park due to poor pitch conditions. The unsatisfactory state of the field at Audi Field, which hosted multiple events in July, led to the decision. D.C. United will face a fine and has apologized to fans, promising better field management in the future.
In a significant move by the Leagues Cup organizing committee, the upcoming match between D.C. United and Santos Laguna has been relocated to Subaru Park in Chester, PA. This decision comes after the pitch at Audi Field was deemed unsatisfactory for play, prompting concerns about player safety and game quality. The match, originally scheduled for July 31 at Audi Field, will still take place on the same date but at a different venue.
The decision to move the Leagues Cup match was primarily due to the poor condition of the pitch at Audi Field. Following a busy month hosting two MLS matches, an international rugby game, a club friendly, and a U.S. women's national team match, the field was reported to be in a subpar state. Players described the pitch as 'bumpy' and noted that some areas felt like 'kicking into dirt.' The organizing committee, in coordination with LIGA MX and MLS, prioritized player safety and the integrity of the game in their decision.
D.C. United has issued an apology to fans who had purchased tickets for the original venue, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the venue change. The club also announced that ticket holders would receive emails with information on the status of their tickets and next steps. In response to the criticism and to prevent future issues, D.C. United has scheduled the installation of a new grass field. This installation, initially planned for August, has been moved up to coincide with the date of the relocated match.
The issue at Audi Field reflects a broader concern regarding the quality of playing surfaces in major tournaments held in the U.S. During the 2024 Copa America, several teams, including Argentina, criticized the artificial grass at various stadiums, highlighting it as a safety hazard. These incidents have sparked a discussion about the standards of playing fields and the need for consistent quality to ensure player safety and fair competition.
The relocation of the Leagues Cup match between D.C. United and Santos Laguna underscores the importance of maintaining high standards for sports facilities. As stadiums continue to host a variety of events, the challenge of keeping playing surfaces in optimal condition remains critical. Moving forward, it is essential for organizers and clubs to prioritize these aspects to uphold the quality and fairness of competitions.
"It was definitely a little bumpy. We noticed that in our matchday-minus-one training." - Sam Coffey
"Sincerely, the field is not apt for these kinds of players. We gave not necessarily a good game, but a game according to the pitch and what the opponent proposed." - Lionel Scaloni