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Approximately 30 minutes before Saturday’s scheduled game between Oakland Roots and Sacramento Republic FC at Laney College Stadium in Oakland, the game was officially postponed by the USL Championship due to an “unplayable field surface.”
USL Championship Postpones Oakland Roots SC vs. Sacramento Republic FC pic.twitter.com/kNk8pilxPl
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) June 20, 2021
From the looks of it, the field appeared to be artificial turf squares on the entire field, something I haven’t seen at this level ever.
First ever Roots game for me, first Roots home game in the USL pic.twitter.com/bhrQ45xgiS
— Evan Ream (@EvanReam) June 19, 2021
If you’re wondering, this was supposed to be Oakland Roots’ home opener for the season, it was a sellout, and since they haven’t played a home game in the league yet, apparently this field issue never came up before. What’s odd, however, is how we got this far down the road before the league and Professional Referees Organization realized how bad it was and then cancelled the game after everyone arrived.
I feel terrible for the fans of both teams, Oakland for having their big day ruined, and Sacramento for making the trip for nothing. I am glad the players were not forced to play on it, if it was truly dangerous. We’ll see when the game will be rescheduled.
What do you think? Leave a comment below.