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NWSL Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue FC Begins 2019 Campaign on Road against Washington

April 12, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Howell, N.J. - Sky Blue FC begins its seventh National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season on Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m. ET when it travels to face the Washington Spirit at Maryland SoccerPlex.

The match will be streamed live via Yahoo! Sports.

"After weeks of preparation we are all excited to finally get to play a competitive match," said Head Coach Denise Reddy. "During the preseason we have had a strong focus on our team organization and creating internal connections. We are setting our own standards for performance and will strive to live up to them each and every game."

Sky Blue begins its 2019 season with seven new faces, including three former Spirit players, Caprice Dydasco, Estelle Johnson and goalkeeper Didi Haracic. Also included in Sky Blue's new acquisitions are 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup champion Naho Kawasumi, Brazilian international Gabi and 2019 NWSL College Draft picks Julie James and Paige Monaghan.

Returning to the squad, 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup champion and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd will look to continue her success with her hometown team in her second year with the Club.

Fellow returners include 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year Imani Dorsey, 2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year Raquel Rodriguez and veteran midfielder Sarah Killion.

In its first match the club will be without Mandy Freeman and Madison Tiernan who both suffered injuries during the preseason.

Saturday's match will mark the 16th time the two clubs have faced, in which Sky Blue holds a 6-8-2 record against the Spirit.

The Spirit are led by first-year NWSL coach Richie Burke. In his first year, Burke will be tasked with leading a young roster, that includes six rookies and is highlighted by U.S. WNT players Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh and Andi Sullivan. Washington also recently acquired Australian internationals Amy Harrison and Chloe Logarzo.

Saturday will be the first of three meetings between Washington and Sky Blue this season with the next two taking place at home. They will face each other for the second time on May 11 at Yurcak Field with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. ET.

Sky Blue will host its home opener next Saturday, April 20 at 6 p.m. ET, facing the visiting Houston Dash, at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers. Tickets can be purchased by visiting SkyBlueFC.com or calling 888-SBFC-TIX.

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