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NWSL Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue FC Head South for a Clash with the North Carolina Courage

May 3, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Howell, N.J. - After earning their first point at home, Sky Blue FC (0-2-1, 1 point) travel south for a Saturday night clash with the defending champions at 7 p.m. ET at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.

Streaming

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

Preview

After earning their first point of the season in a 2-2 draw at home last Sunday to the Portland Thorns, Sky Blue FC get ready for a road clash against the North Carolina Courage.

"We are going into this game trying to build on the momentum we created against Portland," said Head Coach Denise Reddy. "We, of course, will respect their attacking abilities, but we are looking to build up and focus on what we do."

Sky Blue FC is 1-4-1 all-time against North Carolina. Sky Blue currently sits in eighth place in the National Women's Soccer League standings, ahead of the Orlando Pride and one point behind Reign FC.

Opponent

The Courage earned a 4-1 road win last Saturday against the Houston Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium. Lynn Williams, Crystal Dunn, Debinha, and Leah Pruitt found the back of the net. Williams netted her 40th career NWSL goal and now sits in fourth of all-time goals scored.

Crystal Dunn earned NWSL Player of the Month, scoring four goals in three games. Dunn currently leads the league in goals scored.

The Courage will be missing some key players going into this Saturday's match-up due to International duty. Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Jessica McDonald, and Samantha Mewis have all been named to the U.S. Women's National Team roster for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Sky Blue vs. North Carolina Rewind

In 2018, Sky Blue was unable to earn a win against the Courage, falling 0-1, 1-2, and 0-4. In their first meeting at WakeMed Soccer Park, it was a battle down to the final minutes when Jessica McDonald netted the game winner in the 92nd minute. The second match of the season came on home turf for Sky Blue, and the Courage came out scoring early leading 2-0 at the end of the first half. In the final minutes of the second half, Sky Blue capitalized on a chance in the 94th minute. Raquel Rodriguez stood over a free kick that she passed to Sarah Killion, who tapped it to Carli Lloyd, sending a rocket into the upper right-hand corner of the goal. In the final meeting of the season Sky Blue kept the Courage to a 1-0 lead going into halftime. Midway through the second half, Lynn Williams bagged a hat trick to seal the deal for North Carolina.

Looking ahead

After Saturday's match-up, Sky Blue FC comes home for a second meeting with the Washington Spirit on Saturday, May 11 at 3 p.m. ET for Champion Women Day at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J. Sky Blue will then travel to the west coast for their first meeting of the season with Reign FC (May 18, 4 p.m. ET) at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, WA.

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 gameday 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 May 3, 2019


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