NWSL Sky Blue FC

Match Preview | Sky Blue FC Faces the Washington Spirit in a Midweek Clash

Published on July 23, 2019 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Howell, N.J. - Sky Blue FC (2-8-2, 8 points) returns to Yurcak Field on Wednesday, July 24th for its 7:30 p.m. "World Cup Return Night" game against the Washington Spirit. Join us as we honor Estelle Johnson, Carli Lloyd, and Kailen Sheridan for representing their countries at the World Cup. This will be the third and final meeting of the season between Sky Blue and the Spirit.

Streaming

The match will be streamed live on Yahoo Sports and in the NWSL app. International fans can watch on NWSLsoccer.com.

Preview

Sky Blue sits in ninth place in the NWSL standings with eight points, three points behind Orlando Pride. The Spirit sit four spots ahead, holding fifth place with a 5-4-3 record and 18 points. The two teams have met 19 times in league history and Sky Blue holds a 7-10-4 record against the Spirit in those games. In the last nine meetings, Washington has remained unbeaten against Sky Blue (7W-2D).

Kailen Sheridan has the second best save percentage in the league with 82.1%, making a total of 32 saves and 2 clean sheets. Sheridan is the top keeper in the league in terms of goals prevented this season, with 6.2 goals prevented.

Opponent

Washington is coming off a 2-1 loss at home against the Houston Dash on July 20th. Rookie Jordan DiBiasi scored the lone goal for the Spirit, making it her fourth goal of the season. The Spirit are 2-2-1 on the road this season.

With DiBiasi leading the attack, two other players to watch for the Spirit are Ashley Hatch and Cheyna Matthews. Hatch has three goals and one assist while Matthews has three goals and two assists. Both have created a total of nine chances for each other, which ties them for the second most in the league. Aubrey Bledsoe has kept Washington hanging on to points with a total of 49 saves and five clean sheets, ranking her number one in the NWSL for saves and clean sheets.

Additionally, Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh have returned to the Spirit. Pugh played the full game in the loss to the Dash on July 20th and had her penalty kick saved in stoppage time.

Sky Blue FC vs. Washington Spirit Rewind

Last time Sky Blue FC faced Washington was on May 11th, 2019 in a 2-3 loss at Yurcak Field. The Spirit took the lead in the first half when Cheyna Matthews scored a goal in the 22nd minute. Sky Blue tied up the game in the 32nd minute with a goal from Raquel Rodriguez. The two teams both capitalized on goal opportunities in the second half. Sky Blue scored one goal and Washington Spirit scored two goals resulting in a 2-3 loss for Sky Blue.

Looking Ahead

After Wednesday's matchup with the Spirit, Sky Blue heads to Houston to face the Dash on Sunday, July 28 at 8:30 p.m. ET at BBVA Stadium. This will be the second meeting of the season for the two teams.

Tickets

Tickets to all Sky Blue FC home games are available now by calling 888-SBFC-TIX or by visiting skybluefc.com. All fans at the game will receive a Sky Blue FC game day program with player poster insert.

Season Ticket Memberships are still available. Call 888-SBFC-TIX today to learn about our No Unused Ticket Policy. All memberships receive an exclusive 2019 Season Ticket Membership scarf.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 23, 2019


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