Home-field momentum keeping Sky Blue’s playoff track alive

Wednesday, June 17th was a very important game for Sky Blue FC for a few reasons. For starters, a win would get the team out of the cellar. The second reason is keeping pace in their run to make the playoffs.

Sky Blue FC used an early goal by Rosana and a strong defensive effort to blank the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 before 2,166 fans at Yurcak Field. After a 10 day break, the team hosted St. Louis Athletica,  narrowly losing despite another excellent offensive effort.

The home team outshot Chicago 13-10, in the second straight shutout for Sky Blue keeper Jenni Branam, who recorded five saves. “With each game, Jenni is gaining more confidence and has been making some big saves for us,” said Sky Blue FC head coach Kelly Lindsey.

Sky Blue scored in the 23rd minute when midfielder-forward Heather O’Reilly sent a crossing pass in front of the Chicago goal. In a mad scramble for possession, Rosana came out of the pack and drilled a shot past goalkeeper Caroline Jonssen for the lead. “I was proud of the way we attacked,” O’Reilly said after the game. “We kept them on their heels and we willed that goal into the back of the net.”

In the second half, Chicago came out with feverish pressure but could not muster the tying score. Rutgers University grad Carli Lloyd of Delran nailed a free kick for the visitors in the 56th minute that gave Branam a little trouble, but she handled it for the save. In the 68th minute, after a yellow card for SBFC’s Kacey White, Lloyd lined up another free kick a yard outside the box and banged a hard shot that bounced off the middle of the crossbar.

“In the first half our midfield played well, but we were stretched in the second half,” said Lindsey.

The fan support has been a big boost to the team in their inaugural season, said Lindsey. “It is great to be at home,” said the coach. “When we need the energy and there is a lull, the players feed of the energy of the fans.”