Sky Blue FC continues to search for its first of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season, but the club avoided a loss and picked up a point during a 0-0 draw with the Washington Spirit Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 2,188 at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J.
Both teams were competing without their star players.
Sky Blue’s Janine Beckie, Adriana Leon, Carli Lloyd, Savannah McCaskill, Thaisa Moreno and Rebekah Stott all missed the match due to national team obligations.
Washington competed without Yanara Aedo, Rose Lavelle, Francisca Ordega and Rebecca Quinn. The Spirit also announced Friday forward Mallory Pugh will miss the next eight to 10 weeks after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament sprain in her right knee.
Both teams struggled to create quality chances in the first half, with Sky Blue managing one shot on target and the Spirit putting up two.
In the 78th minute, it appeared Washington might put away the game-winner. Midfielder Estefanía Banini drew a foul in the penalty area. Andi Sullivan took the penalty kick firing a shot to the low right. Sky Blue goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan guessed correctly and was able to block the shot.
“Of course, it is a bit frustrating to not come away with the win,” Sky Blue FC coach Denise Reddy said. “I am really proud of the way we played, and we did a great job of defending as a unit. Kailen made an incredible save on the penalty kick, and I feel like that will be our tipping point. We got the shutout here tonight, and now we are poised to really get things going.”
Sky Blue finished with 20 shots, while Washington had 11.
Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe posted seven saves, while Sky Blue’s Sheridan finished with with three.
Sky Blue FC (0-8-2, 2 points) remains at the bottom of the NWSL table, while the Washington Spirit (2-7-3, 9 points) are one spot out of last place.
The teams now join the rest of the NWSL on an international break. Sky Blue hits the road to play the Orlando Pride June 16 at 7:30 p.m. The Washington Spirit host the Seattle Reign June 16 at 7 p.m.