Sky Blue FC settles for a draw in 2011 opener

Sky Blue FC roared out to a 2-0 halftime advantage over the rival Philadelphia Independence in its 2011 WPS season debut at Yurcak Field on April 10th. The Jersey girls held a 2-1 lead entering the 90th minute of play, but had to settle for the draw when the Independence found a last-minute equalizer.

Both teams now stand 0-0-1 with one point in the league standings.

After a battle for possession at the opening whistle, Sky Blue FC began to find its groove. The team was distributing the ball well, and an aggressive demeanor paid dividends in the 18th minute. Midfielder Allie Long found space and delivered a feed over to defender Brittany Taylor on the right flank, where Taylor found a streaking Laura Kalmari in the center of the box. Kalmari one-touched a rope that found its way past the outstretched arms of Philadelphia netminder Nicole Barnhart, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage.

 

Steady offensive pressure earned Sky Blue FC a free kick in the 36th minute, and two-time NCAA Player of the Year Casey Nogueira fired a strike towards the frame that changed its direction and spun in the upper left 90 and over the head of Barnhart. The New Jersey club took its 2-0 advantage into halftime.

 

After the break, the Independence subbed forward Amy Rodriguez in place of midfielder Joanna Lohman. Rodriguez, a U.S. National Team striker, was able to put her team on the board in the 56th minute when a feed from former Sky Blue forward Tasha Kai sent her into a 1v1 faceoff with goalkeeper Jenni Branam. Rodriguez struck the ball under a diving Branam and into the left netting to edge Philadelphia within a notch, 2-1.

Basking Ridge native Tobin Heath checked in for her first action with Sky Blue FC kit in minute 67, delighting the hometown crowd. Heath's welcome provided a spark, but the Independence was able to maintain momentum following the Rodriguez notch. The visitors found their equalizer at the 90th minute with a Sinead Farrelly to Christina DiMartino tally.

Mid-April finds Sky Blue FC on the road for three consecutive games before returning to Yurcak Field on Saturday, May 21st. Tickets for that contest are available now by calling 888-SBFC-TIX.