NWSL Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue FC Completes Season Sweep of Boston Breakers

Published on July 17, 2016 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


BOSTON- Sky Blue FC (5-4-4, 19 points) returned to National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) action on Sunday night, completing a season sweep of the Boston Breakers (1-11-1, 4 points) at Jordan Field, 3-2. The New Jersey side registered a season-high three goals in the match, with finishes coming from Sarah Killion, Leah Galton and Erica Skroski.

"I am very proud of the application that our team showed tonight," said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach. "Every single player played a role in this victory. We showed some fantastic ability on the ball and also a tremendous amount of grit to see out the game. We will sit down and take a look at this film, and we will put in an even better performance next weekend against Washington."

Boston struck early in this contest on a series that saw midfielder Stephanie McCaffrey chip a ball inside the box from the left flank in the 3^rd minute of play. Initially, forward Eunice Beckmann collected and made an attempt on goal that was deflected by Sky Blue FC netminder Caroline Casey, but midfielder Angela Salem gathered the rebound and scored it to give the Breakers a 1-0 advantage.

In the 28^th minute, Sky Blue FC was able to level this match at one apiece. Galton turned with the ball and raced into the box, and she was immediately taken down by defender Christen Westphal after touching to her right. Without hesitation, the official pointed at the spot for a penalty kick, and Killion calmly placed the ensuing try into the right-side netting.

Sky Blue FC then gained its first lead of the evening in the 37^th minute, as forward Tasha Kai raced down the right flank with the ball at her feet. She then looked up with space in front of her, serving a ball across the mouth of the goal that found Galton on the receiving end. The British international was perfectly positioned inside the far post, quickly finishing the service to hang a 2-1 score line.

In the 72^nd minute, Sky Blue FC was able to add an insurance goal to give itself a 3-1 advantage. Starting with a corner kick, Killion played it short for midfielder Taylor Lytle, who then chipped it right for Kristin Grubka. The second-year defender put her head on the ball to center it for Skroski, who was able to put her own header on the feed and slip the ball inside the far post. The goal by Skroski was the first of her professional career.

The Skroski tally would eventually prove to be the game-winner, as Boston was able to make it a 3-2 contest in the 85^th minute. Off a free kick, midfielder Louise Schillgard delivered a looping ball towards the far post, and defender Julie King was there to finish it for the Breakers.

With the result, Sky Blue has won back-to-back games for the first time since the end of the 2014 season. The win also moved the New Jersey club into fifth place on the NWSL Table, just two points shy of being in a playoff position. Additionally, Sky Blue FC is now just three points away from equaling its 2015 point total with seven games left on the 2016 docket.

Sky Blue FC will return home to Yurcak Field on Saturday, July 23rd, hosting the Washington Spirit at 7:00 p.m., and tickets for that match are available now 6&idb3279e9a6e&ea0e953b4f5) . Additionally, all fans who eat at Quaker Steak & Lube in Edison 6&idec803c3e92&ea0e953b4f5) before the game will receive free parking for the match.

Flex and individual tickets for Sky Blue FC are on sale now! For any questions regarding 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.

For all of the latest news on Sky Blue FC, visit the team online 6&idf9dbc59ba1&ea0e953b4f5) and follow us on social media: @SkyBlueFC

NWSL Match Report Match: Boston Breakers vs. Sky Blue FC Date: July 17, 2016 Venue: Jordan Field; Boston, Mass. Attendance: 3314 Weather: 82 degrees, hot

Scoring Summary: BOS: 1 1 - 2 NJ: 2 1 - 3

3 BOS Angela Salem 28 NJ Sarah Killion (Penalty Kick) 37 NJ Leah Galton (Tasha Kai) 72 NJ Erica Skroski (Kristin Grubka) 85 BOS Julie King (Louise Schillgard)

Lineups: NJ: Casey; Simon, Grubka, Rampone, Skroski; Galton, Killion, Rodriguez, Lytle (Stanton-90); Zimmerman (Conheeney-84), Kai (Hayes-75) Subs not used: Loyden, Gordon, Goodson Head Coach: Christy Holly

BOS: Kranich, Westphal (Ratcliffe-60), King, Kallman, Pathman, Salem, Schoepfer (Strom-60), Verdoia, Schillgard, Beckmann (Krieghoff-73) Subs not used: Stout, Wood, Mewis Head Coach: Matt Beard

Stats Summary: NJ / BOS Shots: 13 / 10 Shots on Goal: 8 / 4 Saves: 2 / 5 Corner Kicks: 6 / 3 Fouls: 7 / 10 Offside: 9 / 1

Misconduct Summary: N/A

Officials: Referee: Matthew Franz Assistant Referee 1: Amilcar Sicaju Assistant Referee 2: Amber O'Connor Fourth Official: Michael Dee

Pine Belt of Lakewood Player of the Match: Erica Skroski

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