Match Preview: Sky Blue FC vs. Chicago Red Stars

Sky Blue FC vs. Chicago Red Stars

Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Illinois

April 21, 2018

8 p.m. ET

Watch: go90 or NWSLsoccer.com

Sky Blue FC (0-2-0, 0 points) will travel to Chicago to take on the Red Stars (2-1-1, 7 points) for a Saturday night match-up scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. Fans can watch via the go90 app or on NWSLsoccer.com.

“We are building something, and from each game we have improved in many areas,” said Sky Blue FC head coach Denise Reddy. “I was very happy with our second half performance against Seattle where we dominated possession, especially in their half of the field. Now we are looking to put together the pieces in the final third to be more productive and create better opportunities. For me, it is not about the amount of shots and is more about the quality of the opportunities.”

Sky Blue FC comes into this contest off a second consecutive 1-0 loss. On Sunday, Sky Blue hosted Seattle Reign FC at Yurcak Field for the New Jersey club’s home opener. Unfortunately, skies were not blue that day, and both teams played in some very difficult weather.

The lone goal of the match came in the 6th minute of play when Seattle Reign FC was awarded a penalty kick after defender Erica Skroski committed a hand ball in the box. Megan Rapinoe stepped up to the mark and converted the penalty to give her team the eventual 1-0 result.

Chicago will look to keep its win-streak alive on Saturday night after earning a 3-0 victory at home on Wednesday against the Houston Dash. The Red Stars were up 1-0 in the 7th minute off an own goal, and then converted one of their own four minutes later courtesy of Lauren Kaskie. Chicago scored one more time in the 74th minute when Sofia Huerta headed home a cross from Danielle Colaprico to secure the 3-0 result.

The Red Stars will be playing its third game in seven days. Last Saturday, Chicago spoiled the home debut for Utah Royals FC with a 1-0 victory at Rio TintoStadium. Sky Blue FC will look to take advantage of tired legs as the club has yet to score a goal this season.

The last time these two teams faced each other was on July 15, 2017 at Yurcak Field. Sam Kerr scored the equalizer in the 90th minute to secure the 2-2 draw for Sky Blue FC after Huerta and Christen Press gave the Red Stars an early lead. Kerr, who now plays for Chicago after an offseason trade, will not be available for the match due to international duty for Australia.

INJURY REPORT

Sky Blue FC

OUT: Amandine Pierre-Louis (right tibia/fibula contusion), Domi Richardson (illness), Erin Simon (left foot hardware removal – D45)

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Thaisa Moreno (BRA)

Chicago Red Stars

OUT: Vanessa DiBernardo (stress fracture pelvis – D45), Julie Ertz (right knee sprain), Stephanie McCaffrey (illness), Casey Short (right ankle sprain – D45), Rosie White (right and left navicular fracture – D45)

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Sam Kerr (AUS)