On Wednesday night, the U.S. Women’s National Team battled through poor field conditions at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup semifinal against Canada to win 3-1 in a thrilling penalty shootout and advance to the finals. did.
The American team broke the scoreless tie in the 20th minute when Jadyn Shaw scored after a Canadian defender tried to give the ball back to the goalie, but the ball was blocked well before it reached the goal because the field was soggy. disappeared inside the box.
Shaw lunged toward the ball and was able to fire a shot past Canadian keeper Kylen Sheridan, who was trying to reach the stopped ball.
However, the game was played in dire conditions with Southern California rains flooding the field, and there appeared to be some sort of problem with the drainage system, as water pooled and affected ball movement.
Puddles of water could be seen all over the field, and videos posted online clearly showed water splashing as players ran and tried to kick the ball.
Stadium grounds staff attempted to alleviate the situation by pushing water away from the field.
Social media users were quick to criticize the situation on the ground.
“Very dangerous!! Please give the correct instructions for the safety of the players!” San Diego Wave FC coach Casey Stone was furious with X.
“This is insane. Stop the match.” Former USWNT member Julie Foudy wrote:.
“Why doesn’t CONCACAF call this game? Play it. Someone’s going to get hurt.” she added.
“This Women’s Gold Cup semi-final between the United States and Canada is outrageous. If this were a youth soccer match, the pitch would be deemed unplayable.” Another user of X wrote.
“Why are the players being put in this situation? There is no way this is a safe playing condition,” wrote Sam Mewis, another former USWNT player.
The Paramount+ broadcast showed the referees discussing the field situation at halftime, but play continued between the two North American teams.
The game ended 1-1 and went into overtime, with the United States taking the lead in the first half with a goal from Sophia Smith.
Goalie Alyssa Neher (1) after defeating Canada.
2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup semi-final penalty shootout
Match at Snapdragon Stadium. Rey Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
However, in the final seconds of second-half stoppage time, USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Neher was called for a controversial penalty while attempting to protect a cross into the box.
Canada scored the penalty, and the game went to penalties.
From there, Neher made three saves and even scored a goal, advancing the United States to Sunday’s final against Brazil.
