2012 MLS Playoffs: Heavy snow postpones second leg between United, Red Bulls

The second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference semifinal tie between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls was postponed until Thursday night after heavy snow on the field rendered it unplayable. The game will be played Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on NBC Sports Network.

Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Competition, Technical, and Game Operations, announced the postponement at around 9:00 p.m., approximately 40 minutes after the game's scheduled kick-off time.

Heavy snow had fallen in Harrison, N.J. throughout the night. The Red Bull Arena field was covered with a tarp until approximately two hours before the scheduled start of the match. The field at Red Bull Arena is open to the elements and does not have undersoil heating, unlike some stadiums in colder European climates.

Workers with shovels attempted to clear the field and make it ready for play. At one point, MLS Commissioner Don Garber was seen taking a turn with a shovel. But ultimately, their efforts were in vain and the match was rescheduled.