NWSL: Sky Blue FC – 2017 Season Preview
By Daniel Garza
Sky Blue are set to begin the fifth season in the NWSL, with the club from New Jersey eyeing a first playoff appearance since 2013.
After failing to make the playoffs three consecutive years, Sky Blue will look to put an end to their playoff drought in 2017. The club had few changes in the offseason, with the majority of their roster from last season will be returning.
A Recap of 2016
Record: 7-5-8
Finishing Position: 7th
Inconsistency was prevalent in 2016 for Sky Blue, the club struggled to build off wins and never got into a rhythm that allowed them to move up the table. They went on a three-match win streak in the middle of July, but then proceeded to go on a three-match losing streak in the following weeks.
The club ended up finishing in seventh place, level on points with FC Kansas City, but a minus six goal differential saw them slip to seventh. They were only six points out of the final playoff position, which shows with better consistency things could have ended up much differently.
Sky Blue had the third worst goal differential in the NWSL, with 30 goals conceded and 24 scored. The most goals they managed to score in a single game was three, while at one point during the year giving up five in a single match.
Away fixtures were where the club thrived last season. Seventeen of their 26 points came on the road and they also scored more goals away from home, with 15 away goals being scored compared to nine at home.
Australian striker, Samantha Kerr, was the club’s leading scorer in 2016. Kerr scored five goals in nine appearances, but that was only good enough for the 13th highest scorer in the NWSL. Other goal contributors were Tasha Kai and Maya Hayes, who both combined for seven goals.
Lead Galton and Taylor Lylte ended the year tied for sixth in assists in the league, at four assists apiece. But ultimately, there just wasn’t enough attack last year for Sky Blue to content with the top team’s in the league.
Roster
Here’s the 20-player roster for the 2017 NWSL season.
"Goalkeepers: Caroline Casey (Rookie), Kailen Sheridan (FED-CAN, Rookie)Defenders: Mandy Freeman, Kayla Mills (Rookie), Christie Rampone, Domi Richardson, Erin Simon, Erica SkroskiMidfielders: Daphne Corboz, Sarah Killion, Taylor Lytle, Raquel Rodriguez (INTL-CRC), Nikki Stanton, Madison TiernanForwards: Kim DeCesare, Leah Galton (INTL-ENG), Maya Hayes, Tasha Kai (OOM, D45), Sam Kerr (INTL-AUS), McKenzie Meehan (Rookie), Kelley O’Hara (FED-USA)"
2017 Prediction
Defensively, the club will have to get better. They return the likes of Christie Rampone, Erin Simon and Erica Skroski to the backline. Rookie, Kayla Mills, is a nice addition on defense, she was the 2015 PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year and can make a positive impact on the club in her first season. United States Women’s National Team player, Kelley O’Hara, comes in as the most talented defender on the roster.
In net, Caroline Casey will be returning after her 32 saves and two clean sheets in 2016. Rookie Kailen Sheridan is the other goalkeeper on the final roster.
The midfield will have playmakers such as Lytle and Sarah Killion in the lineup. Costa Rican international Raquel Rodriguez will continue to be an attacking force to watch.
Up top, Sky Blue have an almost identical roster from last season. Kerr will be the target once again, as she looks to build off of a decent campaign in 2016. Kai and Galton are also strong players that will have an impact. New addition, McKenzie Meehan, is an exciting player who broke records at Boston College in career goals and points.
This season has the potential to be special for Sky Blue, but a lot will depend on if the club can get consistent production up front from Kerr and co. Defensively, the club will need a big performance from its backline as they struggled at times last season. With most of their players returning, the talent is there, now we just wait to see how the form looks. If they start strong, this could be a sleeper club to watch in 2017.