IMAGE, MATT KREMKAU FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by DAVE MARTINEZ

The New York Cosmos hosted New York City FC at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium last year in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup.

This year, NYCFC gets the right to host – but it won’t be at Yankee Stadium.

Though the New York Yankees’ home schedule permits enough time to convert their baseball diamond to a soccer pitch, sources tell EoS that the match will be taking place at another venue – a venue which has already been secured.

The Yankees homestand ends on June 12th. The U.S. Open Cup match is scheduled for the 15th. That leaves three days to lay down and prepare the sod for a possible U.S. Open Cup. The stadium remains unused through the 21st.

Despite the availability, NYCFC will defer to a smaller local stadium to host their USOC opponent. EoS has not confirmed said location at the time of publishing.

Historically, several teams have deferred the usage of their home grounds for U.S. Open Cup encounters. Most of the time, that decision is due to the high monetary strain of opening their facilities for a match which historically does not draw well.

What the reason behind NYCFC’s decision remains unclear. However, the team does serve as a tenant in Yankee Stadium, meaning the availability for usage outside of the MLS schedule remains out of their hands.

NYCFC host the winner of the Cosmos match against either the New York Pancyprians Freedoms or Jersey Express.