MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE AT SKY BLUE FC
YURCAK FIELD, PISCATAWAY, NJ
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, MAY 19-7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: go90 APP, go90.COM, NWSLSOCCER.COM
LIVE UPDATES: @THENCCOURAGE #NJvNC
The NWSL-leading North Carolina Courage (6W-0L-2D, 20 points) will kick off their four-game road trip in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC (0W-4L-1D, 1 point) on Saturday, May 19 at 7 p.m. ET at Yurcak Field.
Saturday’s meeting will be the second between the two teams in 2018. Sky Blue FC was the second team to visit Cary, N.C. this season on Saturday, March 31. The NC Courage came out on top with a 1-0 score thanks to a goal from Jess McDonald in the final minutes of the match.
The NC Courage have staked their first-place claim after going eight games unbeaten to start their 2018 campaign, while Sky Blue FC sits on the opposite end of the table, having played the fewest number of games than any team in the league with five.
Most recently, the Courage earned their fifth shutout win of the season against the Washington Spirit at home on Saturday, May 12. Defender Abby Erceg redirected a Jaelene Hinkle free kick into the back of the net in the second half to seal the win.
Sky Blue FC will be returning to action after a 4-1 loss to second-place Seattle Reign FC.
Series History:
Since relocating to Cary, the Courage are 2W-1L-1D against Sky Blue FC.
Wednesday, May 25, 2017, Cary, N.C. – 2-0 W (20’-Williams, 42’- Mewis)
Saturday, July 1, 2017, Cary N.C. – 1-0 L (84’-Kerr)
Sunday, September 24, 2017, Piscataway, NJ– 1-1 D (27’- Hatch) (75’- Raquel Rodriguez)
Saturday, March 31, 2018, Cary N.C. – 1-0 W (90+’- McDonald)
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Fact to Know:**
With a win, the NC Courage will have tied Seattle Reign FC for the best nine-game start to a season in NWSL history.
Current best nine-game starts:
2014 Seattle Reign FC 7W-0L-2D
2016 Portland Thorns FC 4W-0L-5D
Players to Watch:
North Carolina Courage – #15 Jaelene Hinkle
Hinkle has played every minute in all eight games so far for the Courage this year. At right back, she’s provided two assists and has been named to both the April and May NWSL Teams of the Month. She also ranks first in the league in chances created with 23. Look for Hinkle to make important runs down the flank, and contribute to the NC Courage’s attack by taking free kicks and corners, too.
Sky Blue FC- #21 Savannah McCaskill
The rookie midfielder has made an immediate impact for Sky Blue FC and she has scored half of the team’s goals this season. She also leads the team in passes completed in the opposing half with 161. Drafted No. 2 overall by Sky Blue FC, McCaskill’s soccer IQ and work ethic combine to make her difficult for any defense to stop. She’ll be looking to connect with US Women’s National Team veteran Carli Lloyd to get Sky Blue FC’s attack going.
Coming Up Next:
After Saturday’s match, the NC Courage prepare for a midweek game at the Orlando Pride on Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. ET.
The Courage have yet to face the Pride this season.
