The United States women’s national soccer team put its foot down and didn’t like what it saw.
The U.S. Soccer Federation cancelled Sunday’s exhibition game against Trinidad and Tobago because it deemed the artificial turf field at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hi., unsuitable to host an international soccer game. U.S. Soccer made the call Saturday after Team USA’s practice session on the field.
“We extend our sincere apologies to those fans who were scheduled to attend the U.S. Women’s National Team match in Hawaii,” U.S. Soccer spokesman Neil Buethe said in a statement. “Player safety is our number one priority at all times and after a thorough inspection throughout the day, we determined it was in the best interest for both teams to not play the match. We regret not being able to play in front of our fantastic, loyal fans.”
FOX Soccer reports Team USA players made the decision not to play on the Aloha Stadium turf themselves, according to ESPN.
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup took place on artificial turf, and the cancellation of Saturday’s game reignited the controversy which stormed over the summer. Team USA was among the leading critics of FIFA’s decision to hold the tournament on artificial turf, citing the fact every men’s World Cup game in history has taken place on a natural-grass surface.
Team USA lost the turf war with FIFA but ultimately won the tournament. It since has embarked on a multi-game “Victory Tour” (or series of exhibitions), but U.S. Soccer’s choices of venues in recent months have tested players’ patience.
It seems Team USA reached its breaking point in the Aloha State.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@JulieFoudy
