In a final friendly match before the Olympics, the U.S. women's national team encountered field difficulties and injury setbacks during their game against Costa Rica on a hazy evening in Washington, D.C.

The game ended in a scoreless draw, with the U.S. dominating possession but struggling to find the back of the net. However, the biggest news of the evening came before kickoff when midfielder Rose Lavelle was sidelined due to muscle tightness. Lavelle, dressed in her match uniform, watched the game from a suite.

The playing surface at Audi Field, home to D.C. United of Major League Soccer, showed signs of wear and tear, causing concerns for players. Large areas of the field were discolored, and both penalty spots and the center spot had been recently replaced. The pitch also proved bumpy towards the sidelines, affecting the movement of the ball.

Despite the field conditions, head coach Emma Hayes stated that it did not factor into Lavelle's late withdrawal, as the priority was to avoid any risks and ensure the team's overall health ahead of the Olympics. This was particularly crucial after forward Catarina Macario had to withdraw from the squad due to a minor knee irritation.

During the match, U.S. forward Mallory Swanson faced challenges during corner kicks, as chunks of the playing surface came loose. Swanson acknowledged the difficulties, jokingly describing it as kicking into dirt.

Audi Field had seen significant usage in recent days, hosting a Major League Soccer match and an international rugby match before the women's friendly. The stadium is set to host another friendly between D.C. United and Scottish club Celtic in the coming weekend, adding further strain to the already worn-out pitch.

A source familiar with D.C. United's operations revealed plans to replace the turf later this month, after initially scheduling the replacement for early June. This should provide a more suitable playing surface for upcoming events, including the Washington Spirit's return to Audi Field in mid-August and the debut of the USL Super League team, DC Power, in the fall.

Despite acknowledging the field's challenges, midfielder Sam Coffey emphasized that it should not be used as an excuse, stating that it did not prevent the team from getting the job done. U.S. captain Lindsey Horan declined to comment on the condition of the surface.

The focus on field conditions comes in the wake of the Copa America, where issues surrounding the quality and dimensions of playing surfaces marred the men's international tournament. Such concerns have raised questions about the importance of maintaining suitable playing conditions on a global stage.

As the U.S. women's national team prepares for the Olympics in Paris 2024, ensuring top-notch field conditions will be crucial in supporting the athletes' performance and minimizing injury risks.