Gotham

The National Women’s Soccer League introduced two hydration breaks per half during a Gotham FC match in New York City, marking the second instance in four days due to poor air quality from smoke drifting in from Canadian wildfires.

Gotham FC emerged victorious against the Seattle Reign FC on Saturday at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island, following a 2.5-hour lightning delay.

Seattle held a 2-0 advantage until the 81st minute, when Esther González netted her first of two goals for Gotham. Seven minutes into stoppage time, Rose Lavelle scored the game-winner, making Gotham the first team in NWSL history to win a match after being down by multiple goals in the 80th minute or later, according to Opta.

About an hour before kickoff, the air quality index (AQI) for the venue was recorded at 180, which is the threshold for the NWSL to implement hydration breaks and consider delaying the game.

A flood watch was also in effect due to heavy rainfall in the area, and kickoff was postponed because of lightning.

The compromised air quality and unusual frequency of hydration breaks coincided with a match being held only a few miles from the venue hosting Sunday’s Men’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

On Wednesday at Citi Field in Queens, Gotham faced the Washington Spirit and played a full match on schedule despite a heat advisory, which warned of a heat index around 100 degrees Fahrenheit and an AQI around 170. Smoky conditions led to significant visibility issues, with the sky taking on a hazy orange hue as the 8 p.m. ET kickoff approached.

Wednesday’s match drew a crowd of 42,175, the second-highest attendance in NWSL history. Players and staff from the Spirit expressed their discontent with the frequent stoppages occurring every 15 minutes.

“If we need a hydration break every 15 minutes, we shouldn’t be playing the game, in my opinion,” remarked Spirit forward Trinity Rodman. “There are 40,000 fans, and it’s a major event, so it’s really challenging. It was a tough situation for everyone to navigate.”

Washington defender Tara Rudd mirrored Rodman’s sentiments, stating, “Perhaps, under different circumstances, the game would have been postponed. But with so many people here, we played on. I think the numerous water breaks disrupt the game; two hydration breaks per half is excessive.”

“Honestly, I’m not a fan of them,” commented Spirit head coach Adrian Gonzalez regarding the hydration breaks during his post-match address.

The adverse air quality continues to impact over 100 million Americans as smoke from Canada has shifted southeastwards.

Many events have been rescheduled or relocated due to conditions.

MLS postponed a game scheduled for Thursday in Chicago between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Fire due to the poor air quality from the smoke, which was anticipated to attract around 40,000 fans.

Additionally, MLS called off a match in Cleveland on Friday due to the same air quality concerns.

Reign head coach Laura Harvey noted on Friday how her team managed the smoky conditions during training in New York before the match, stating, “We implemented more water breaks and even used supplemental oxygen. While it didn’t disrupt our training, by the end of the session, I noticed my eyes were burning and my throat was sore, which made me think I was falling ill until I remembered it was just the smoke.”

ESPN verified that the NWSL adheres to similar air quality guidelines set forth by U.S. Soccer.

According to league rules, an AQI ranging from 150 to 180 necessitates two hydration breaks. If the AQI is between 180 and 200, a delay in the game may be considered, while an AQI exceeding 200 warrants a postponement.

Saturday’s match also marked the debut of midfielder Denise O’Sullivan for Gotham FC after her recent transfer from Liverpool.

Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros announced post-match that he would be taking a five-week leave from the team following the birth of his second child in May, during which he also took a brief leave.

Assistant Shaun Harris will take over as acting coach for Gotham, a role he has fulfilled previously this season.

“I am extremely thankful to everyone at Gotham FC for their unwavering support as we made this decision,” Amoros stated after Saturday’s game. “This is a personal choice for our family, but I acknowledge the visibility that comes with my position. When fathers embrace parental leave, especially those in leadership roles, it promotes a vital principle: the responsibility of caring for children should be shared by both parents. I want to be there for my family.”