Match Preview: Sky Blue FC vs. Portland Thorns FC

Sky Blue FC vs. Portland Thorns FC

Yurcak Field; Piscataway, New Jersey

June 3, 2017

7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: go90 or NWSLsoccer.com

Sky Blue FC (4-3-1, 13 points) returns to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) action on Saturday when the New Jersey club hosts Portland Thorns FC (3-1-3, 12 points) at Yurcak Field. The match is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can either purchase tickets via online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849), or watch the match on go90.com, the go90 app or on NWSLsoccer.com.

Sky Blue FC is looking to win its fourth consecutive home match for the first time in franchise history. In the club’s last outing on May 27, the New Jersey squad defeated the Orlando Pride 2-1 off an 82nd minute finish from forward Maya Hayes.

The Pride opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Jasmyne Spencer placed a low shot past SBFC goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan for the 1-0 advantage. Sky Blue FC equalized in the 43rd minute off a quick transition play. Midfielder Raquel Rodriguez was able to dispossess Kristen Edmonds in the attacking third and redirect the ball towards Daphne Corboz. After drawing in two defenders, Corboz dished a pass to Sam Kerr. Kerr then ripped a shot past Orlando netminder Aubrey Bledsoe for her second goal of the 2017 campaign.

The New Jersey squad converted the game-winner in the 82nd minute of the contest off a play that started with a goal kick. Sheridan kicked the ball up the middle past the midline towards Kerr. Kerr was able to perfectly head the ball up the field towards a racing Hayes, who used her body to get in front of Pride defender Alanna Kennedy and into the path of Kerr’s flick. The New Jersey native took a touch to her right, and then slotted the ball past Bledsoe into the lower left corner of the net to secure three points for her club.

Sky Blue FC earned three wins out of five matches during the month of May with Kerr leading the way on two goals and a pair of assists. The NWSL Media Association recognized her strong performances throughout May and named the Australia international the NWSL Player of the Month. In addition, Kerr and teammates Sheridan and midfielder Sarah Killion were named to the NWSL Team of the Month.

Portland enters the match on a five-game unbeaten streak; the most recent a 2-0 victory over the Boston Breakers at Providence Park. France international Amandine Henry scored her first goal of her NWSL career to help earn her club three points. Both goals came in the opening five minutes of the match, with the first being an own goal by the Breakers followed by a left-footed strike from Henry.

Historically, Sky Blue FC leads the all-time series against Portland with a 5-4-2 record. SBFC also has the edge at Yurcak Field, going 2-1-2 against the Thorns in New Jersey. However, Portland Thorns FC swept the 2016 series against Sky Blue FC over two matches.

Of note: Kerr is now tied with former SBFC player Nadia Nadim (who currently plays for the Thorns) for the all-time club record at 13 goals. Will Kerr be able to continue her momentum and break the record against the Thorns in front of the home crowd tonight? It’s possible, but the last time Kerr has scored against Portland in a Sky Blue uniform was at Yurcak Field on July 11, 2015.

Injury Report

QUESTIONABLE: Erin Simon (left foot bone bruise), Erica Skroski (left knee bone bruise)