A critical three points and a potential playoff spot are on the line Saturday night in New Jersey as the Chicago Red Stars pay a visit to Sky Blue FC.
Chicago (7-4-4 25 points) currently hold the fourth spot in the league standings while the Sky Blue sit right behind them at 6-5-4 and 22 points. With a win, Chicago would leap over the Western New York Flash into third place. A victory over Chicago would be the first for Sky Blue FC in NWSL history, with the Red Stars holding a 3-0-6 overall advantage that includes a 2-0-2 edge at Yurcak Field.
“We are really looking forward to playing Chicago this weekend,” said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach in a team press release. “This is a huge test for both teams, and we have put forth a good couple of weeks of preparation to make sure we are ready for the challenge. We have incorporated a specific game plan for this match, and now it is up to us to execute it.”
Things Heating Up
With the Olympics over and the disappointment of the USWNT a painful memory, the NWSL is about to experience some of the most exciting soccer in its young history. The contest between the Red Stars and Sky Blue perhaps the most critical match of all. A loss would seriously derail any playoff hopes Holly's squad have. Fans should expect a tough, physical match.
Keys to the game
With Christen Press and Julie Johnston back in action for Chicago, their star power will be on full display. It will be interesting to see Press paired with Stephanie McCaffrey, who Chicago acquired just prior to the break. Both have the ability to turn opponents mistakes into quick scoring opportunities. Along with Danielle Calaprico, the Red Stars boast speed at the top which could be trouble for the Sky Blue defense which has been very suspect defending the quick transition game. If Christie Rampone and her defensive mates can keep the Chicago attack in front of them and not allow Press and McCaffrey too many easy runs at goal, the match will stay close.
While Chicago is one of the youngest teams in the league, they are extremely well composed and do not allow teams to capitalize on their mistakes.
For the Sky Blue, it is unclear how much, if at all Kelley O'Hara will play tomorrow night. If Press and/or McCaffrey are too much to handle, expect Holly to insert O'Hara in to stick to one of them as is her specialty. The Sky Blue have their own trio of dangerous scorers in Sarah Killion, Leah Galton, and Sam Kerr. At midfield, Taylor Lytle has blossomed under Holly and Raquel Rodriguez has quickly outgrown rookie mistakes. Killion is simply one of the best young middies in the league.
Final Thoughts
With both squads at full force, this is the match of the weekend. While a tie wouldn't be devastating to the Sky Blue, a loss would all but eliminate them. Very few thought they'd be in this position, but Christy Holly has worked his magic with this young and talented group. Press and McCaffrey will be dangerous for Chicago. This one figures to go right to the bitter end.