Collegiate or professionally, I agree. If the field can get proper maintenance and not have excessive wear, it's the way to go. But I'm probably on the other side of this argument on a youth soccer level. I've seen too many games played on poorly maintained grass fields. Passes bouncing over feet, ankles turned on divots, goals on balls that take a mysterious hop over a keeper, etc. IMO, there are more benefits to field turf for soccer at a youth level.
- The main one: With the growth of the sport, there aren't enough quality grass fields for younger kids. That's not saying there can't be, but the maintenance isn't going to be able to keep up with the demand for space for games and practices.
- Weather. A hard rain can render frequently used fields unusable. You might be able to play one game, but it will get progressively worse and dangerous if you're trying to play several games on it during a weekend
- Skills/footwork/passing/receiving are all easier to teach and practice with true rolls and bounces.