2019 NWSL Regular Season – Week 22

Sky Bue FC vs Chicago Red Stars 

Yurcack Field, Piscataway, NJ

September 15 at 4pm CT

Where to Watch

TV: NBC Sports Chicago 

Stream: Yahoo Sports 

Additionally, authenticated regional subscribers of NBC Sports Chicago can watch the live stream of the game at NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive.

Opponent Form

After what could only be touted as a disappointing 2018 season, Sky Blue FC showed signs of progress this season. A team with only one win last year, Sky Blue has four wins in 2019 and already surpassed their point total from last season. Currently eighth in the NWSL with 16 points, Sky Blue went on a three-game unbeaten run against Chicago, Reign FC, and Houston before falling to North Carolina in a competitive 2-1 matchup on Saturday. 

Storylines

Late Night: The previous two games between Chicago and Sky Blue featured late drama. Dannielle Colaprico’s wonderful volley in the 83rd minute put the pressure on Sky Blue FC in the closing moments of their first meeting back in July. One month later, the drama continued. Chaos in the 18-yard box allowed Chicago to capitalize and get a stoppage-time equalizer courtesy of Sam Kerr. The game wasn’t finished there, however, as Paige Monahan gave Sky Blue the lead again two minutes later. The Red Stars are coming off late heroics in their last game as well. Casey Short’s goal in the 95th minute gave Chicago a 1-0 win over Orlando on Wednesday. 

I’m on Fire: Sky Blue’s duo of rookie Monahan and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan have been key in their matchups against Chicago. Monahan has two goals and one assist against the Red Stars with both goals coming in their last meeting. NWSL saves leader Sheridan made a combined 12 saves against Chicago across both matchups, conceding a goal only in stoppage time. They’ll take on the duo of Sam Kerr and Yuki Nagasato. The Red Stars’ international connection continues to improve in their second season together, with Kerr on the hunt for her third-consecutive NWSL Golden Boot with a league-leading 13 goals and Nagasato boasting an NWSL-best six assists.  

Not Goin’ Down: A single glance at results and one can see Sky Blue FC is a perfect team to play spoiler for one of the teams currently in the NWSL playoff chase. Three of their four wins this season have come against teams currently in a playoff position. They have managed to take away points in six of the ten games they’ve played against the current top four teams in the NWSL, including two draws against current NWSL leaders Portland and are the only NWSL team to hold North Carolina scoreless this season.