Boston Breakers Look to Extend Winning Streak

Published on May 21, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Boston Breakers News Release


HANOVER, Mass (May 21, 2015) - The Boston Breakers' longest-standing rivalry resumes Friday at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium on the campus of Harvard University as the hosts take on Sky Blue FC at 7 p.m. ET.

The Breakers and Sky Blue will meet for the 19th time, dating back to their first matchup during the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season. Since their debut game on May 31, 2009, a 2-1 Sky Blue FC win in Piscataway, N.J., the Breakers have gone 4-1-1 at home against the New Jersey side.

Not only will the Breakers (2-3-0) look to extend that advantage, they'll also be going for their second win in a row, fresh off a 1-0 victory over Portland Thorns FC last Saturday at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium. Kristie Mewis scored the game-winner in the 93rd minute, and keeper Jami Kranich made three key saves to record her first shutout and victory at the professional level.

Sky Blue FC comes into Friday's match with a 1-3-2 record, having most recently lost to the Washington Spirit on the road courtesy of a stoppage-time game-winning strike from Francisca Ordega. Despite the recent dip in form, Sky Blue is certainly no team to be overlooked with the likes of Danish striker Nadia Nadim and crafty midfielder Katy Freels, who has scored two of the team's four goals this season. Sky Blue FC will be without six national team players: Christie Rampone and Kelley O'Hara from the U.S., Jonelle Filigno from Canada, Mexico's Monica Ocampo, and the Australian duo Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord.

Despite going winless in five straight, Sky Blue FC still has the second-best defense in the National Women's Soccer League.

"Sky Blue have been quite good defensively, and all of their games have been quite close," Boston Breakers head coach Tom Durkin said. "They're coming off a heartbreaking loss, so I think they're going to be highly motivated to try to come here and get a result. I don't think you can take them lightly in any way, shape, or form. Our aim is to build on our last performance."

The Breakers seek their third straight win at home. They opened with a 3-2 victory April 26 over the Houston Dash, and followed that up with last Saturday's 1-0 victory against Portland.

During a halftime ceremony Friday, the Breakers will retire former captain Leslie Osborne's No. 12 jersey and induct her into the Pillars of Excellence. Osborne will be on hand for the event.

Following Friday's match against Sky Blue FC, the Breakers remain at home to face FC Kansas City on Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets, visit www.breakerstickets.com or call 617-945-1704.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 21, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central