In a surprising announcement between long time rivals, the New York Red Bulls and DC United have agreed to flip flop venues in their home and home series due to the destruction that befell Harrison in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Effectively, this will give the Red Bulls a perceived “homefield” advantage in their crucial Eastern Conference semifinal showdown.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber will join DC United CEO Kevin Payne and Red Bulls GM Jerome de Bontin to address the move with the media this afternoon.

The announcement of the home swap comes as a surprise to many. Payne had told the Washington Post “We haven’t discussed scenarios, but I wouldn’t support that.” With a tight schedule, few alternatives and a natural disaster to contend with, the parties went with the only viable option available; flip flopping venues.

D.C. will now host the Saturday night match in RFK at 8pm while the Red Bulls will host the midweek clash on the 7th. The expectation is that with added time, Red Bull Arena