Sky Blue FC looks to slow down Seattle Reign

Another hot team awaits Sky Blue FC as they search for their first victory nearly two months. And the New Jersey-based team will have to travel across the country to face then.

Tonight, Sky Blue FC will face the Seattle Reign, currently on a three-game unbeaten streak, in Seattle's Memorial Stadium. First kick is 10 p.m. (EDT).

Seattle brings in a 2-2-2 record (8 points) against Sky Blue's 1-3-4 record (7 points). Both teams are coming off draws - the Reign battled Chicago to a scoreless draw while Sky Blue and Houston played to a 1-1 tie.

Both Sky Blue FC and Seattle had plenty of chances to win last weekend, having created more scoring opportunities than their opponents, but couldn't find the back of the next.

"This is a great challenge for our group,” said Sky Blue coach Jim Gabarra. “We have a young team that has continued to develop and grow, and we are really happy with the way we have been playing. Obviously, we have not gotten the results that our play has deserved.

“This game is similar to going into Kansas City where you are playing a team that has not lost in their home stadium, so it is another huge challenge. For the most part, our group has played better when it has been presented with its biggest challenges, so we are expecting a very good performance on Saturday night."

Seattle and Sky Blue FC battled to a 1-1 tie a month ago with a controversial ending. Just seconds away from a loss, Sky Blue got new life on a handball in stoppage time. A penalty was awarded after minutes of discussion by the game officials and Nadia Nadim put it away for the draw.

In the first part of the season, both teams have received stellar play from their goalkeepers.  Seattle's Haley Kopmeyer has filled in ably for USA's Hope Solo.  In her three games as the starting goalkeeper, Kopmeyer has gone 1-0-2 and has a .667 goals against average. She has faced ten shots and only has given up two goals, one of those coming on a penalty.

Sky Blue's Brittany Cameron has been equally impressive, keeping the locals in virtually every game with acrobatic saves. She saved a penalty against Houston last week, to preserve the draw.

Extra Time; This is the final game for a few weeks for the NWSL as they take a break for the opening round of the Women's World Cup...look for Sarah Killion to come back to the lineup. The injured rookie sat out against Boston and the early part of the Houston game before coming on in the second half...Seattle played a 1-1 draw with China's national team two weeks ago...Sky Blue fC will hold viewing parties for the Women's World Cup. Monday's will be at the Shore House Bar & Grill for the USA/Australia match on Monday and at iPlay Amercia in Freehold for Friday's match with Sweden. The third viewing party for the June 16 match versus Nigeria will be announced soon.