Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros criticized the field conditions at Sports Illustrated Stadium during the team's 1-0 win over the Seattle Reign on Sunday, highlighting infrastructure challenges the NWSL faces during the playoffs. The league fined Gotham $10,000 before the quarterfinal over pitch quality, which had been overworked with an MLS match the previous evening and a rugby doubleheader the week before.
Amoros said he felt obliged to apologize for the pitch state, stating that at this level the league should provide a better surface. Players from both teams complained, including Gotham's Jaelin Howell, who noted the sandy, unstable surface but said the team managed it. Seattle Reign's Jess Fishlock, playing her final career match, called the field "atrocious." Reign coach Laura Harvey said a playoff game should not be played on such a surface.
Amoros added the conditions affected Gotham's performance, forcing a more direct game plan. Gotham will play their next match at the same stadium next Sunday against Kansas City Current, with the Red Bulls hosting a friendly the night before.
Match Summary
Gotham took an early lead through a fourth-minute own goal by Jordyn Bugg, forced by Jaedyn Shaw. However, Gotham failed to register a shot on target, managing six shots worth 0.17 expected goals. Seattle had 11 shots and 0.54 expected goals but were denied by defenders Tierna Davidson and Jess Carter and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, the 2024 goalkeeper of the year. Shaw praised Berger's consistent world-class saves.
Gotham's Attack Struggles
Gotham's attack was further hampered by the halftime exit of Rose Lavelle, who is managing a knock, and a quiet performance from Sam Kerr, who had no shots and only 23 touches in 90 minutes. Kerr has scored four goals in 18 games since joining in July despite 9.67 expected goals. Amoros credited Seattle's pressing and defensive shape. Shaw said the team needs to be cleaner on the ball and more clinical in passing to create better chances.
