Sky Blue FC Vs Chicago Red Stars: Week 17 Preview

Looking to extend their win streak to six matches, the Chicago Red Stars face a team they’ve underestimated before, Sky Blue FC. Here is a full Week 17 preview.

With little rest, the Chicago Red Stars move a bit further east from Maryland to New Jersey to face Sky Blue FC. Now on a five-game win streak, the Red Stars were briefly in first place for a few hours before the game between Portland and North Carolina. With a win here, however, Chicago can top the standings.

There doesn’t appear to be any new injuries for the Chicago Red Stars, but after a couple of games where players like Vanessa DiBernardo looked extremely tired, this may be the game where we see some rested. While Yuki Nagasato is absolutely in form, Rory Dames may see it wise to start her on the bench.

The same goes for Daniele Colaprico, who only recently came back from injury. Most of my projected starting XI below is a suggestion based on how fatigued some of these players have looked, but it’s very possible that the players I chose not to include will play should Dames veer towards a stronger line-up — he also has a much better feel for how fatigued these players actually are.

For a brief period in the season, Sky Blue FC were surprisingly dangerous. After spending so long without a win, a surprise victory against the Red Stars back in July was enough to send them towards another win a week later against Utah. Unfortunately, that’s when their luck stopped. Last week, in another game with Utah, the Sky Blue defense was absolutely ripped apart by Christen Press.

However, there are a couple of things that are obvious strengths for Sky Blue FC. First, Kailen Sheridan is a contender for the best NWSL goalkeeper. Before coming up against Press, Sky Blue went six games without giving up more than a single goal, including a shutout in their July match against Utah. Meanwhile, Raquel Rodriguez is an absolute powerhouse striker up top for the New Jersey team and will be a threat.

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Last time, the Chicago Red Stars squared up against Sky Blue FC, I didn’t really see much possible resistance from them. I think we all know better now. Hopefully, the returning players also have a cautious, aware and vengeful mindset. Chicago will have to play better than they did last time out, especially in front of goal. In the game against Washington, the Red Stars took 12 total shots. Only three of them were on frame. That’s not a good shooting rate for a team that’s supposed to be offensively super-powered. It is a lot better than it was earlier in the season, but the goals need to follow. Creating is not good enough. Scoring is essential.

And that’s my point for how the Chicago Red Stars should be going about this match. We saw Christen Press make quick work of the Sky Blue FC defense, scoring a brace. Press is one thing, Sam Kerr is something completely else. With the passing combination from players like Nagasato, Morgan Brian, and Vanessa DiBernardo, Kerr will have all the chances she could want. All she needs to do is finish them and complete the job, and you would be brave to bet against her.

Projected XI:

Chicago Red Stars (4-3-3): Alyssa Naeher; Tierna Davidson, Sarah Gorden, Katie Naughton, Casey Short; Morgan Brian, Julie Ertz, Savannah McCaskill; Katie Johnson, Sam Kerr, Arin Wright

Sky Blue FC (4-5-1): Kailen Sheridan; Caprice Dydasco, Erica Skroski, Estelle Johnson, Imani Dorsey; Elizabeth Eddy, Sarah Killion, Julie James, Carli Lloyd, Paige Monoghan; Jen Hoy

Next. Washington Spirit Vs Chicago Red Stars: 3 things we learned. dark

How To Watch:

Wednesday, August 14th, 6:00 PM CDT; At Yurcak Field in Piscataway, NJ, on NBC Sportsnet Chicago, and online with the Yahoo Sports App

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