Washington Spirit avert scheduling crisis, keep NWSL semi-final at Audi Field; Gotham venue TBD
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- The Washington Spirit will host their NWSL semi-final against the Utah Royals on 14 November at Audi Field, avoiding a previously considered venue, Northwest Stadium, where they have never played before.
- Audi Field, the Spirit’s home since 2023, was initially scheduled to host a Division III college football game on the same day, but the Spirit’s playoff game took precedence; it is unclear if the college game has been rescheduled.
- Gotham’s semi-final against the Kansas City Current is set for 15 November, but the location remains unconfirmed amid concerns over the poor field conditions at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where Gotham usually plays.
- The field at Sports Illustrated Stadium has deteriorated due to recent soccer and rugby matches, prompting criticism from players and coaches, and the league fined Gotham $10,000 for poor field conditions in a recent match.
- The league is considering alternative venues like Icahn Stadium for Gotham’s semi-final and emphasized the importance of stadium infrastructure and control over venues to minimize disruptions and maintain competitive integrity.
