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Defender Erica Skroski Named to U.S. U-23 WNT Roster for Istria Cup in Croatia

February 16, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Morristown, N.J. - Sky Blue FC defender Erica Skroski has officially been named to the U.S. Under-23 Women's National Team roster for the upcoming Istria Cup in Croatia. The U.S. U-23 WNT will travel to Croatia for its first overseas trip of the year to play three matches in the eight-team Istria Cup, which runs from March 2-7.

"This is a great reward for Erica and a very important step in her development," said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach. "We are delighted that she has this opportunity and have no doubt it will help her push on to the next level, which will be of huge benefit to Sky Blue FC."

Skroski was taken at no. 23 overall in the 2016 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft by Sky Blue FC. The versatile defender anchored the Rutgers University back line to its most successful season in program history this past fall, where the Scarlet Knights reached the NCAA College Cup semifinals. The Galloway, N.J., native received 2015 Big East Defender of the Year honors and was also named to the All-Big East First Team and NSCAA All-America Second Team. Despite her defensive position, the four-year starter still contributed five goals and four assists on the offensive end as well during her college campaign.

The U.S. U-23 WNT opens the Istria Cup on March 2nd against the full Slovenia Women's National Team before facing the Poland Under-19 Women's National Team on March 4th and finishing against the France National "B" Team. France's full Women's National Team will be competing in the SheBelieves Cup during that time in the United States.

The other teams in the tournament are the full National Teams of Croatia, Slovakia and Northern Ireland, as well as the Hungary National "B" Team. Those four teams will play games against each other. The full Hungary Women's National Team will be competing in the Cyprus Cup during that time.

The U.S. U-23 WNT will be coached by Janet Rayfield, who has called up 20 players to travel to central Europe, 11 of whom are already in the NWSL or preparing for their rookie seasons this spring. Eight are collegiate players, while one has finished her college eligibility. The roster includes nine players who have represented the USA in a FIFA Women's World Cup at the youth level.

U-23 Women's National Team Roster by Position:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Jane Campbell (Stanford; Kennesaw, Ga.), Katelyn Rowland (FC Kansas City; Vacaville, Calif.)

DEFENDERS (6): Abby Dahlkemper (Western New York Flash; Menlo Park, Calif.), Caprice Dydasco (Washington Spirit; Honolulu, Hawaii), Kayla Mills (USC; West Covina, Calif.), Katie Naughton (Chicago Red Stars; Elgin, Ill.), Erica Skroski (Sky Blue FC; Galloway, N.J.), Christen Westphal (Boston Breakers; Brecksville, Ohio)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Danielle Colaprico (Chicago Red Stars; Freehold, NJ.), Mandy Freeman (USC; West Covina, Calif.), Christina Gibbons (Duke; Raleigh, N.C.), Shea Groom (FC Kansas City; Liberty, Mo.), Rose Lavelle (Wisconsin; Cincinnati, Ohio), Havana Solaun (Seattle Reign; Gainesville, Fla.), Andi Sullivan (Stanford; Lorton, Va.), Samantha Witteman (Orlando Pride; Redondo Beach, Calif.)

FORWARDS (4): Makenzy Doniak (Western New York Flash; Chino Hills, Calif.), Tyler Lussi (Princeton; Lutherville, Md.), Toni Payne (Duke; Birmingham, Ala.), Taylor Smith (UCLA; Fort Worth, Texas)

2016 season tickets for Sky Blue FC are now on sale! Season ticket packages start as low as $130 and can be purchased online today. For any questions regarding season tickets, call the Sky Blue FC tickets department at 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849), and a team representative will be happy to assist you.

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