The upcoming Leagues Cup match between D.C. United and Santos Laguna on July 31 has been relocated from D.C.’s Audi Field to Philadelphia Union’s Subaru Park. This decision was made by the competition’s organizers due to the unsatisfactory state of the pitch at Audi Field. The Major League Soccer team, D.C. United, will also face a fine for the inconvenience caused by the relocation. The safety and health of the players participating in the match were the top priority in making this decision.
The Leagues Cup organizing committee, in coordination with LIGA MX and MLS, made the decision to move the match to Subaru Park to ensure the best possible conditions for the competition. This move comes after concerns were raised about the condition of the playing surface at Audi Field. Since the beginning of July, the stadium has hosted a series of events, including multiple MLS matches, an international rugby match, a club friendly, and the U.S. women’s national team’s Olympics send-off match. After the match on July 16, USWNT players commented on the state of the pitch, describing it as “bumpy” and expressing dissatisfaction with certain areas of the field.
D.C. United issued a statement explaining that they were in the process of installing a new grass field at the stadium, which was originally scheduled for completion on August 1. The club apologized to fans who had purchased tickets to watch the game in Washington, D.C. and assured that measures were being taken to prevent such issues in the future. The decision to relocate the match highlights the importance of providing suitable playing conditions for professional athletes.
The incident at Audi Field is not an isolated case, as there have been instances of inadequate playing fields affecting major competitions like the 2024 Copa America held in the U.S. this summer. Players and coaches have raised concerns about the safety hazards posed by subpar pitches, emphasizing the impact it has on the quality of the game. The comments from Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni regarding the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the Copa America underscore the need for proper playing surfaces to ensure that players can perform at their best.
The relocation of the Leagues Cup match between D.C. United and Santos Laguna serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards for playing conditions in professional sports. The decision to move the match to Subaru Park was made in the best interest of the players’ safety and well-being. It is crucial for clubs and organizations to prioritize the maintenance of playing surfaces to provide a conducive environment for athletes to showcase their skills.
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