This is honestly crazy. #NWSL pic.twitter.com/OWccwb6PC2
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) July 9, 2016
See Western New York Flash face Seattle Reign on a very odd looking narrow pitch in the National Women’s Soccer League that is reported to have measured 12 yards less than the required minimum of 70 yards.
The hosts defeated Seattle 3-2 at Rochester Red Wings minor league baseball team’s Frontier Field in New York after a music festival forced the hosts to move the match from their home at Sahlen’s Stadium.
For those wondering, Rhinos Stadium booked today for 90s throwback concert headlined by TLC https://t.co/KIqh8fISik pic.twitter.com/FHeKcp4XOV
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) July 9, 2016
Due to a lack of space at the venue, a pitch just 58 yards across was assembled for the tie that is said to be the first game in the league to be played at a baseball stadium.
@FCUpdate_nl hier is pas goed te zien waarom het te klein is pic.twitter.com/8XkDtLnedk
— Peter Zunneberg (@PeterZunneberg) July 10, 2016
The NWSL reportedly granted a special exemption from the pitch size regulations for this game as the minimum width required by FIFA is just 50 yards.
Field factor in Rochester: Flash have scored twice off long throw-ins which were…not that long. Field also a factor for Kopmeyer injury?
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) July 10, 2016
Star players were not happy:
Dear @JeffPlush @NWSL .. I hope you can take 10 min out of your day tomorrow to reflect on this shambles & put it right. Many Thanks. WOSO.
— Jessica Fishlock (@JessFishlock) July 10, 2016
Watch the highlights of Western New York Flash vs Seattle Reign, played on an extremely narrow pitch, below: