Saint Louis Athletica wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC as Eniola Aluko notched an opening strike in just the second minute of action but it was Elise Weber’s game-winner in the 84th minute that gave Saint Louis a 2-1 win at Yurcak Field at Rutgers University in a WPS, Sunday night matchup.
Saint Louis took control early when Aluko netted her fourth goal of the season in the 2nd minute. Lori Chalupny played the ball behind and Aluko barely stayed onside before rolling a shot into the lower left corner of the goal past Jenni Branham.
Sky Blue FC responded with a number of chances but couldn't find the back of the net before halftime. In the 10th minute, Natasha Kai blocked a Hope Solo clearance and Kacey White tried to chip the Athletica GK but she got back to her line in time to grab the attempt. Meghan Schnur followed in the 21st minute with a shot from 25 yards out that went over the bar.
Sky Blue FC continued to press and in the 40th minute Keeley Dowling sent a nice cross into the box from the right side that Rosana headed with force just over the goal. Four minutes later, a nice combination between Heather O'Reilly and Kacey White led O'Reilly into the box but her shot was stuffed by Solo.
In the second half, it was more chances for Sky Blue FC as O'Reilly's effort from 20 yards was tipped over the bar by Solo in the 70th minute and O'Reilly followed that with a volley that just missed the left post four minutes later.
Sky Blue FC finally broke through in the 76th minute off an extended sequence in the Athletica box. O'Reilly chipped the ball forward and Kai battled with Saint Louis defender Tina Ellertson, knocking the ball loose for substitute midfielder Julianne Sitch to nail inside the left post.
Saint Louis stunned the crowd with the game-winner eight minutes later. Melissa Tancredi took a throw to the side of the Sky Blue FC box and Weber looped the ball high into the air and just inside the far post.
Sky Blue FC held a 21-5 advantage in shots but could only muster one goal off the foot of Julianne Sitch that tied the score in the 76th minute.
The loss keeps Sky Blue in 5th place in the WPS standings 4pts behind the Washington Freedom with their next game against the 2nd place Boston Breakers on July 4th.
The win moves Athletica up to 17 points for the year and 3rd place in the standings.It starts off a four game road trip in fine fashion. Athletica are now 5-5-2 on the season.
Sky Blue FC midfielder/defender Julianne Sitch:
“The ball was played in and Natasha (Kai) chased the ball down and kept it alive for us. Without her working hard to keep the play going, the ball would have never fallen to me. We’ve all been doing a good job of creating chances in recent games, and I was glad to be able to put one in the back of the net.”
Saint Louis forward Eniola Aluko:
“It was good to score an early goal since we absorbed so much pressure throughout the course of the game. The score helped us settle in a little easier and build confidence. In winning tonight, we showed our resilience – in that sense, winning ugly has become somewhat typical of Saint Louis soccer.”
Saint Louis Athletica defender Elise Weber:
“(Melissa) Tancredi won a throw-in for us, and on the following play I realized that the defender wasn’t watching me – she was focused on Melissa. I made a run into space and collected the ball; it took a bounce and I knew I wouldn’t be able to cross it on the ground. I just tried to play as dangerous a ball as I could, to make the keeper have to come out and make a play.”
Lineups:Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branam; Meghan Schnur (Collette McCallum 63’), Christie Rampone (Capt), Anita Asante, Keeley Dowling (Capt); Kelly Parker, Rosana (Julianne Sitch 69’), Yael Averbuch (Jen Buczkowski 65’), Heather O’Reilly (Capt); Natasha Kai, Kacey White.
Saint Louis Athletica – Hope Solo, Stephanie Logterman, Tina Ellertson (Elise Weber 79’), Sara Larrson, Kia McNeill; Amanda Cinalli (Melissa Tancredi 63’), Kendall Fletcher, Angie Woznuk, Lori Chalupny (Capt); Eniola Aluko, Christie Welsh (Lisa Stoia)
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