The last time national team players were absent from NWSL was in Week 8, when these two clubs last met. The Boston Breakers were handcuffed offensively without their star striker Sydney Leroux, but Sky Blue FC maintained their attacking prowess on the back of Lisa De Vanna, Danesha Adams and Taylor Lytle.
Boston Breakers vs Sky Blue FC: Preview
Boston experienced its greatest defeat against Sky Blue in Week 8 as they lost 5-1 to the New Jersey club. In an identical situation, Boston and Sky Blue will meet for the second time this season without their national team players.
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De Vanna and Adams scored two goals each while Lytle notched a goal in the first half to earn Sky Blue a 5-1 victory over Boston. This scoreline could be replicated if Sky Blue take advantage of Boston’s weak back line. The Boston defense continues to make the same mistakes throughout the season by letting their guard down and chasing the opposition instead of being one step ahead. Sky Blue’s strongest attacking option on Sunday will be De Vanna, who regularly draws fouls from opposition defenders after beating them for pace.
Without Leroux and O’Reilly to set up attacks into the box, Boston will have to rely on the assist queen, Lianne Sanderson. Physically she is difficult to dispossess and her speed adds to the challenge but like Chicago did in Week 9, Sky Blue will need to set their midfield to close her down and deny her supply of the ball.
Sky Blue FC Injuries
In doubt: Brittany Bock
National Team Duty: Kelley O’Hara, Jill Loyden, Christie Rampone and Sophie Schmidt
Boston Breakers Injuries
Out: None
National Team Duty: Rhian Wilkinson, Adriana Leon, Sydney Leroux and Heather O’Reilly
Match Date/Time: Sunday June 16 2013 at 6:30 PM ET
Venue: Dilboy Stadium, Sommerville, MA
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