Piscataway, N.J- Sky Blue FC recorded their first back to back wins in over two years with a late goal to secure a 1-0 victory against the Utah Royals. The lone goal from forward Jen Hoy in the 90+2’ minute lead New Jersey to see their first home win of the season.
Sky Blue took advantage of their early chances on goal and in the 10’ minute, Imani Dorsey was under the pressure of the Royals defense. Her left-footed shot was close on goal but fell to the outside of the net.
The Royals were also eager to score and from a chipped ball, forward Amy Rodriguez sent the ball to the goal, which was deflected by the post. While Sky Blue goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan ran back to resume her position at goal, Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir also made an attempt with the free ball that was too wide from the goal.
By the half, the match was still scoreless from both sides. While the game was up for grabs, it was now a matter of not only scoring but being able to maintain the lead as both sides were focused on the goal with their hopeful opportunities.
Utah used the ball to create more passing opportunities, but Sky Blue was adamant about clearing the ball with some key plays from their goalkeeper. Time was quickly running out and four minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock.
Leading up to the monumental play, there were several free kicks won and lost while Sky Blue was issued a yellow card. Midfielder Sarah Killion passed the ball to Jen Hoy and cut the ball past the Royals defense to score the game-winning goal.
“I think everyone is playing free and allowing their best qualities to shine through,” said forward Jen Hoy. “We all just believe in each other one-hundred percent, not like we didn’t before, but we are taking it to a whole new level. I know energetically I can feel it out there, I think everyone can feel it from all of us to the fans.”
Sky Blue earned three points for the first time at home this season. For Week 14 of the NWSL, they will be on the road as they face the Orlando Pride on Saturday, July 20.
SCORING SUMMARY:
NJ-Jennifer Joy, 90+2’ (Assisted by: Sarah Killion)
BOOKING SUMMARY:
NJ-Julie James, 42’ yellow card
NJ-Sabrina Flores, 77’ yellow card
NJ-Amandine Pierre-Louis, 88’ yellow card
SKY BLUE FC: #1-Kailen Sheridan, #3-Caprice Dydasco, #12-Gina Lewandowski, #8-Erica Skroski, #18-Sabrina Flores, #16-Sarah Killion, #5-Julie James, #19-Elizabeth Eddy (#7-Jennifer Hoy, 66’), #28-Imani Dorsey, #11-Raquel Rodriguez (#9-Nahomi Kawasumi, 85’), #4-Paige Monaghan (#29-Amandine Pierre-Louis, 85’)
Subs not used: #13-Didi Haracic, #24-Estelle Laura Johnson, #15-Kaylan Marckese, #14-Kenie Wright
UTAH ROYALS: #18-Nicole Narnhart, #3-Rebecca Moros (#17-Sydney Miramontez, 88’), #2-Rachel Corsie, #14-Gaby Vincent, #6-Katie Bowen, #11-Desiree Scott, #9-Lo’eau Labonta, #66-Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir (#13-Makenzy Doniak, 82’), #7-Mandy Laddish (#24-Katie Stengel, 68’), #15-Erika Tymrak, #8-Amy Rodriguez
Subs not used: #19-Michelle Maemone, #48-Alexa Newfield, #1-Abby Smith, #20-Mallory Weber
TOTAL SHOTS: NJ 16-9 UTA
SHOTS ON GOAL: NJ 4-1 UTA
FOULS: NJ 14-7 UTA
OFFSIDES: NJ 3-1 UTA
Utah Royals FC
