TOMS RIVER, NJ—Sky Blue FC, a professional team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) will host Rutgers University’s team at Toms River North High School on March 29, in a match that will conclude its 2015 preview series.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and admission is free for all spectators.
Sky Blue has not allowed a single goal in its previous three preseason games this month. The club played: St. John’s, UNC, and Penn State.
“This game is really about building in more game time experience for players we expect to start while also providing opportunities to other players who are fighting for a roster spot or starting spot,” said Jim Gabarra, Sky Blue FC Head Coach.
“Since we are playing on a short turnaround once again, it will be another good exercise for us and will be the end of a tough week with three games.”
The first regular season home game of the 20-game schedule is on Saturday, April 18, against the Houston Dash at Yurcak Field, located on Piscataway’s Busch Campus.
The Dash, an expansion club, joined the nine-team league last season, and are turning out to be quite popular among fans.
The 2015 season marks the third consecutive year the NJ team will use Yurcak Field for its home games. Sky Blue had been in discussions with the New York Red Bulls that could have involved a move to their stadium in Harrison.
The season will run from April 10 to September 27, but all teams will be off from June 7-18 for a break during the group stage of the Women’s World Cup. The NWSL regular season ends on September 6, then the semifinals will be played on Sept. 12 and 13.
On March 18, Sky Blue defeated Penn State University, 2-0.
Gabarra said: “Penn State did a good job of imposing a different kind of challenge to us tonight.”
“They made the field very compact, and they made it difficult for us to play through the middle of the park… Overall, I am very happy with getting another win and another clean sheet.”
Sky Blue finished last season in 6th place, winning nine matches, losing eight, and tying seven.
Dave is an award-winning business reporter who has authored over 200 articles for New Brunswick Today.
