Despite a few good looks on net, Sky Blue FC once again cannot get their first win, let alone a goal, against the North Carolina Courage. Sky Blue would give up four goals against the league-leading team.
Though the team had two good looks on goal in the first half, the team only had five shots on goal in the entire game. If this team can’t finish on the few chances they have, they need to figure out a strategy to manufacture goals.
Sky Blue started the game off strong, getting a shot within the first three minutes of play, which is a great improvement from their earlier games, where their strategy was to sit back and wait for an opportunity to get possession and bring the ball up the field. In fact it seemed like Sky Blue caught North Carolina off-guard in the first half. They were a little more aggressive than they had been and despite a few unlucky bounces, had some dangerous shots.
But, even when they look dangerous, Sky Blue still look confused. In the 35th minute, Sky Blue defender Amanda Frisbie took the ball from half field to the 18 but then looked out of place and unsure what to do next. She was looking to pass about 30 yards out but her teammates were telling her to take the open space in front of her. At the 18 she passed to Savannah McCaskill who sent a one-time cross into the box to Sarah Killion who headed it into the post. Killion came out of nowhere, catching Courage goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland off-guard, not even diving to cover her post. Had the header been a few inches to the left, Sky Blue FC would have been tied 1-1.
The first goal of the game came in the 15th minute, off a North Carolina corner. Sky Blue was able to clear the initial attack on the corner but was unable to get the ball out of danger. Courage defender Merritt Mathias sent the ball to the end line where Kristen Hamilton got on the end and sent a cross across goal. The ball evaded the heads of Sky Blue defenders, landing on the forehead of unmarked Abby Erceg at the back post, who nodded it past an unaware Kailen Sheridan.
Sky Blue was able to hold the Courage off for the rest of the first half, but not for the rest of the game. After the half, Courage striker Lynn Williams got back on the field with an unquenchable hunger. In the 56th minute, Crystal Dunn sent in a through ball trying to slip the ball between the gap of Mandy Freeman and Domi Richardson, but it wasn’t perfect, as it deflected off the knee of Freeman, landing perfectly at the feet of Hamilton, drawing in three defenders and Sheridan. Williams stood open at the penalty spot, Hamilton slotted her the ball, and Williams scored, hitting the ball to the top of the net over a last-ditch slide from Richardson.
Sixteen minutes later, North Carolina scored their third goal of the night. Debinha hit a long ball from half field, landing in front of an unmarked Williams. She had lost her defender and had no one was between her and Sheridan. With ease, Williams beat Sheridan to the near post and, only when it was too late, were the Sky Blue defenders able to catch up to her.
Williams completed her hat-trick a minute before stoppage time. In the 89th minute, Sky Blue defender Erica Skroski sent a poorly weighted ball back to Sheridan, who had no chance of getting there before Williams. With a touch, she was able to get around Sheridan and had the net all to herself.
Unfortunately for Sky Blue, a trend has developed in their matches, a lack of awareness. If they want to start earning some points, they need to pick their heads up and become aware of their surroundings. Every goal, with the exception of Williams last one, Sky Blue had players left unmarked.
While it’s hard to say this when they suffered a 4-0 defeat, this week’s team looked better than last week. They’re more attack-minded and look a little more dangerous. And we can’t ignore the skill of the Courage. After this game, Courage clinched their spot in the NWSL playoffs. They are simply a tough team to beat. Hopefully Sky Blue FC can move forward with their improvements in this game and eventually win one before the season ends.
For the match photo gallery click here.
Sky Blue FC
