Will Sky Blue Earn First Win this Week? | NWSL Week 11

It is no secret the 2018 season has been rough for Sky Blue FC (0-8-1, 1 point). The pressure is on the NJ team to keep the three points at home, when they face the Washington Spirit (2-7-2, 8 points) on Friday, June 8 at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, NJ. The match will mark the second time both teams meet this season.

Sky Blue and Washington Spirit are both coming off losing matches during week 10. While Washington Spirit lost 2-0 against Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue gave the three points to Utah Royals on a 2-1 score. The last time both teams met on May 23 at the Maryland SoccerPlex, Sky Blue lost to the Spirit 1-0. Now, Sky Blue is home and hungry for points.

Yes, Sky Blue has very good chances on winning this match and keeping the three points here in New Jersey. However, it will not be easy. We all know Sky Blue’s dynamic and momentum during the games have been changing this season. They have yet to perform well during an entire ninety minutes. However, we have seen them connecting great through balls, playing well on the quick and short passes and the give-and-go. The key to this match will be which team wants it more. And I know, Sky Blue does.

Players to Watch

Sarah Killion and Raquel Rodriguez (if available) will be key leaders for Sky Blue in the midfield. Midfielders will need to connect with Katie Johnson, Shea Groom and Madison Tiernan, in order for Sky Blue’s offense to create opportunities and be dangerous for the Spirit. If this happens, it will be a great game for the NJ team.

On the opponent’s end, Sky Blue’s defense will need to stop Joanna Lohman, Taylor Smith and Estefanía Banini. Lohman creates opportunities and connects from the midfield forward. Smith and Banini will be dangerous on the offensive end.

Match Injury & Player Availability Report

As of June 7, Sky Blue’s Jen Hoy (right knee sprain) is out. Amanda Frisbie (neck strain), Raquel Rodriguez (back spasms), and Erica Skroski (right hamstring strain) are questionable.

Janine Beckie (CAN), Adriana Leon (CAN), Carli Lloyd (USA), Savannah McCaskill (USA), Thaisa Moreno (BRA), and Rebekah Stott (NZL) will not be available as they are all on international duty.

If you are planning to attend, Fan Friday will be the theme for the match, as part of Sky Blue’s Theme Nights Series. But if you are not going to be at Yurcak Field, the match will be live-streamed on go90.