The Orlando Pride travel to New Jersey for a mid-week matchup with Sky Blue FC this Wednesday night at 7ET. Read below for an in-depth breakdown of the Pride’s opponent.
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Sky Blue FC are coming off a road loss against the Chicago Red Stars this past Sunday. The Red Stars are among the top NWSL teams, but Sky Blue FC will be disappointed to have lost after taking an early 1-0 lead in the match. Before the loss at Chicago, Sky Blue FC earned an impressive 3-1 road victory against a stingy Portland Thorns team.
Who’s Hot
Sky Blue FC striker Sam Kerr is a threat every time she is on the field. Kerr possesses game-changing speed and is always looking to get in behind defenses. The dynamic Aussie has four goals in NWSL play this season - two of which came in her Player of the Week performance against Portland last Saturday.
Sky Blue FC has scored early (‘1, ‘3) in their past two matches. After a two-game road trip, Sam Kerr and Sky Blue FC will be energized to play in front of their home fans. Orlando cannot come out flat-footed if they want a positive result in New Jersey.
Who’s Not
Midfielder Sarah Killion scored five goals in Sky Blue FC’s first six matches of the 2017 NWSL season. Her form, though, has recently taken a dip.
Scoreless in her last five appearances, Killion has struggled to combine with Sam Kerr in attacking areas; something the duo did so well early on this season.
Limiting Killion’s impact in the final third will bode well for Tom Sermanni’s side.
Head to Head
In the teams’ first meeting back in May, Sky Blue FC were victorious thanks to an 88th minute back-breaker goal to give New Jersey a 2-1 lead and the full three points. Since then, the Pride are 2-1-0 and have been playing some of their best soccer of the season. Marta, Jasmyne Spencer and the Pride will be looking for revenge on Wednesday night.
