Photo by Vanya Tucherov
An own goal from Boston’s Kassey Kallman, deflected off a Kelley O’Hara cross, was the decider Friday night at Yurcak Field. Scored in the 41st minute, the goal piled more misery onto a struggling Boston team.
Both sides struggled to keep their feet, especially in the first half, as rain prior to kick off meant a slippery pitch surface for the duration of the match. Even so, both sides had chances early in the first half that they were unable to convert. In the 10th minute, Sky Blue forward Natasha Kai laid a header to O’Hara, who then poked it just beyond the reach of midfielder Kelly Conheeney. At the other end, in the 18th minute, Boston’s Stephanie McCaffrey forced SBFC keeper Caroline Stanley to save a shot ripped from the top of the box. SBFC’s next best chance came in the 30th minute when midfielder Taylor Lytle fed a ball for Conheeney, who was able to split the Breakers back line for Kai. The striker turned towards goal, delivering a hard shot that Boston keeper Libby Stout was able to gather.
In the 41st minute O’Hara acquired possession near the top of the box and darted towards the right side of the area. She then fired a ball towards Conheeney and midfielder Sarah Killion on the far post. Breakers defender Kallman tried to make a play on the ball, but it deflected off her and into the back of the net for an own goal. SBFC went into the half with a 1-0 lead.
Both sides had slightly surer footing in the second half but chances went unconverted and tensions mounted. SBFC continued defending well against corners, and their back line allowed fewer Breakers space in the final third of the pitch. In spite of Boston gaffer Matt Beard’s shouts of “Keep fighting!”, frustrations grew for the Breakers on their unlucky Friday the 13th.
The loss means Boston drops to 0-5-0 (0 points) and are still without the first goal of Matt Beard’s tenure. Boston returns to Jordan Field to host FC Kansas City on Sunday. With the win, SkyBlue (2-2-1, 7 points) move level with the Houston Dash at fourth on the table. SBFC travels to Western New York Flash next Saturday.
Sky Blue FC
