Key Transactions
Since the last time the Pride faced off against Sky Blue, the New Jersey side has relieved Head Coach Denise Reddy of her duties. Following Reddy’s departure, Sky Blue has won its last two contests with a win at Chicago and at home against Utah in that span.
Recent Form
After starting the season winless through nine matches, Sky Blue has earned victories in its last two contests. The New Jersey-based club earned their first victory of the 2019 season in a 2-1 win on the road against the Chicago Red Stars on July 6. They then followed up that performance with a 1-0 victory against the Utah Royals last Friday at Yurcak Field.
Who’s Hot
Raquel Rodriguez leads Sky Blue with three goals this season, having found the back of the net most recently in the New Jersey side’s 2-1 victory at Chicago on July 6. Jennifer Hoy has come off the bench to score for Sky Blue in back-to-back matches, each of her goals serving as the game-winner in the club’s last two matches. Hoy’s two goals in her last two matches trail only Rodriguez for the team lead in goals.
Head-to-Head
The Pride sit at 4-3-2 against Sky Blue in Club history, having earned their first win of 2019 against Saturday’s opposition earlier this season in a 2-1 victory at Yurcak Field. Chioma Ubogagu scored her first goal of the season in that match and rookie Marisa Viggiano forced an own goal off Sky Blue defender Gina Lewandowski for the game-winner. At home, the Pride are 2-1-1 against Sky Blue, with their lone loss at home to the New Jersey side coming in 2016.
Rasmussen College Fun Fact
Saturday’s match will serve as the Pride’s World Cup Welcome Home match, where the team will welcome back its nine World Cup players. 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris will be recognized in their return to Exploria Stadium along with their six teammates that participated in this year’s marquee international tournament in Marta and Camila (Brazil), Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond (Australia), Shelina Zadorsky (Canada) and newcomer Claire Emslie (Scotland).
