In the Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinal match between the United States and Canada on Wednesday, while there is a spot on the final on the line, the weather may end up being the biggest story of the match. Following downpours at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif., there were visible puddles all over the pitch making it impossible to play soccer outside of a long ball and hope.
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From chasing a ball that was no longer there to a Canadian back pass that led to the USWNT's opening goal of the match, the moments were numerous to show that this match would not see the team with the best tactics book a place in the W Gold Cup final alongside Brazil. After a match was already played on the Snapdragon Stadium pitch before the rain picked up, puddles were everywhere to deaden the ball, and plenty of people around the world called for the game to be paused.
Here are the reactions you need to see, but first, the goal:
JAEDYN SHAW RIDING THE STORMMMM 🔥🤩 pic.twitter.com/0gq2tkR2sa
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 7, 2024
Let's look at some reactions:
Former USWNT player Sam Mewis questions safety
Why are the players being put in this situation? No chance these are safe playing conditions.
— Samantha Mewis (@sammymewy) March 7, 2024
San Diego Wave coach Casey Stoney says end it
So dangerous!! Make the right call for player safety! https://t.co/Cu5EJY8Jjx
— Casey Stoney MBE 💙 (@CaseyStoney) March 7, 2024
USWNT legend Julie Foudy doesn't feel it's safe
Why isnt CONCACAF calling this match. Play it tmrw. Someone is going to get hurt. https://t.co/v9BrFv5ph8
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) March 7, 2024
Lauren Holiday wants game called immediately
Call the game. Don’t wait another minute.
— Lauren Holiday (@laurenholiday12) March 7, 2024
In a Concacaf statement as to why the match was played, it was pointed out that this is at the discretion of the referee.
"It is solely at the discretion of the referee as to whether the field is safe and playable," Concacaf told Yahoo Sports, but while that was the case, and it is technically correct, the referee did try to demonstrate that the field wasn't playable.
CBS Sports rules expert Christina Unkel broke it down at halftime.
Rules expert, @ChristinaUnkel breaks down the regulations behind tonight's waterlogged pitch and the decision to move forward with this semifinal match🙃 pic.twitter.com/kVvfNDuvkC
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 7, 2024
"As we saw in the first early minutes of this game the referee went and demonstrated that the ball was not in fact rolling," she said. "When she went over to the fourth officials' station, which is where the match commissioner stands, it was very clear for her demonstrative that she does not think that this was a safe condition but is being told to continue this match by that match commissioner. So, I want to be very clear that by a practical, technical sense, she does and can end that game but practically speaking those of us who have been on that side ... that is almost out of our control when it comes to the competitions."
Want more coverage of women's soccer? Listen below and make sure to watch Attacking Third on Golazo Network Monday and Friday for all your USWNT, NWSL and WSL women's soccer coverage.