Football
ESPN staff 6y

NYCFC moves season finale from Yankee Stadium to Citi Field

New York City FC have moved their MLS season finale against Columbus Crew SC from Yankee Stadium.

NYCFC's game against Columbus on Sunday, Oct. 22, will instead take place at Citi Field -- the home of the New York Mets -- which is in Queens.

The change from the Bronx-based venue comes on the heels of the New York Yankees' season-extending American League Divisional Series defeat of the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night, which qualified them for the next round of the Major League Baseball playoffs.

"Citi Field is an excellent ballpark which has hosted international soccer matches in the past," NYCFC sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a statement.

"From a sporting perspective, this represents an easy transition which would allow our team to get the result we will be looking for."

The match could have playoff implications for New York and Columbus. Though both teams have already qualified for the postseason, the result could affect seeding for the next round.

"While we our happy for our partners, the New York Yankees, we understand that relocating a home game is a significant challenge for fans," said NYCFC president Jon Patricof.

"We feel Citi Field will give our team the best chance of success on the field and provide a good environment for our incredible fans."

Thursday's announced stadium swap is the second time NYCFC have changed venues this season due to a conflict with the Yankees. They moved their Sept. 23 match against the Houston Dynamo to East Hartford, Connecticut, after the Yankees were forced to reschedule after a rain out.

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