Sky Blue FC
Encyclopedia
Sky Blue FC is an American
professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township
, New Jersey
which participates in Women's Professional Soccer
.
Sky Blue FC is part of the larger Sky Blue Soccer organization, based in Somerset County
, New Jersey
, an integrated program that allows players to progress in soccer from a young age with an opportunity for long-term growth.
as its first head coach and general manager on 5 March 2008. However, it wasn't until 9 September 2008 that the New York/New Jersey outfit was officially unveiled under the name Sky Blue FC. One week later, the US Women's National Team
allocation took place with Heather O'Reilly
, Natasha Kai
, and Christie Rampone
allocated to Sky Blue FC.
On 24 September, the 2008 WPS International Draft
was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Australian National Team
forward Sarah Walsh
in the first round, Brazilian National Team
members Rosana
and Ester
in the second and third rounds respectively, finished with Canadian National Team
midfielder Kelly Parker
in the fourth round. In addition to these picks, Sky Blue FC also named Australian National Team
midfielder Collette McCallum
and England National Team
defender Anita Asante
as post-draft discovery players on 26 September 2008 and 2 October 2008 respectively, and were awarded their WPS playing rights.
To further assign player rights, on 6 October the 2008 WPS General Draft
took place. Sky Blue FC drafted Cori Alexander
, Keeley Dowling
, Kacey White
, and Jenny Hammond. Ian Sawyers closed out 2008 by choosing Kelly Lindsey to be his assistant coach on 3 December.
The new year brought new players. On 16 January, the 2009 WPS Draft
was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Yael Averbuch
, Meghan Schnur
, Karen Bardsley
, Christie Shaner
, Julianne Sitch
, Jen Buczkowski
, Zhang Ouying
, Mary Therese McDonnell
, Mele French
, and Fanta Cooper.
, New Jersey
. It played its next game at the venue before moving permanently to Yurcak Field
on the campus of Rutgers University
.
The team stuttered to one win and two draws in their first six games, scoring only 3 goals in the process, before head coach and general manager Ian Sawyers
was suspended indefinitely by the team for disagreements on 23 May 2009. He was eventually relieved of his duties as head coach and general manager on 28 May 2009. In his absence, Kelly Lindsey stepped in as the interim
and slowly started to turn around Sky Blue FC's on-field fortunes. She was eventually permanently installed as head coach on 19 June 2009.
Lindsey's time at the helm was short-lived as she abruptly resigned from her position on 30 July 2009. She had won five games and drawn three others in her twelve total matches before Christie Rampone
was named the second interim
of the year and third head coach overall. Her position also included playing on the field and was the first player/manager in WPS history. Rampone lead Sky Blue FC into 4th position and secured the final playoff spot for the 2009 playoffs
. Sky Blue FC upended both Washington Freedom
and Saint Louis Athletica to make the championship game against Los Angeles Sol. A 16th minute Heather O'Reilly
strike earned Sky Blue FC the championship on 22 August 2009, beating the Sol on their own home field of The Home Depot Center
in Carson
, California
.
was held with Jen Buczkowski
moving to Philadelphia and Noelle Keselica
headed to Atlanta.
Sky Blue FC announced on 29 September 2009 that former Finnish National Team
player Pauliina Miettinen
would be head coach of the team for the 2010 season after completing her coaching duties with PK-35 Vantaa
.
Notes
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township
Piscataway Township, New Jersey
The township consists of the following historic villages and areas: New Market, known as Quibbletown in the 18th Century, Randolphville, Fieldville and North Stelton...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
which participates in Women's Professional Soccer
Women's Professional Soccer
Women's Professional Soccer is the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States. It began play on March 29, 2009. The league was composed of seven teams for its first two seasons and fielded 6 teams for the 2011 season, with continued plans for future expansion...
.
Sky Blue FC is part of the larger Sky Blue Soccer organization, based in Somerset County
Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. In 2010, the population was 323,444. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Somerville....
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, an integrated program that allows players to progress in soccer from a young age with an opportunity for long-term growth.
Countdown to kickoff
Sky Blue FC named Ian SawyersIan Sawyers
Ian Sawyers is an American soccer coach.Sawyers attended Carnegie College, a division of Leeds Metropolitan University in Leeds, England. He played professional soccer for the Rotherham United club...
as its first head coach and general manager on 5 March 2008. However, it wasn't until 9 September 2008 that the New York/New Jersey outfit was officially unveiled under the name Sky Blue FC. One week later, the US Women's National Team
United States women's national soccer team
The United States women's national soccer team represents the United States in international soccer competition and is controlled by U.S. Soccer. The U.S. team won the first ever Women's World Cup in 1991, and has since been a superpower in women's soccer. It is currently ranked first in the world...
allocation took place with Heather O'Reilly
Heather O'Reilly
Heather Ann O'Reilly , also known by her initials HAO, is a member of the United States women's national soccer team and a two-time Olympic Gold medalist...
, Natasha Kai
Natasha Kai
Natasha Kanani Janine Kai is an American soccer forward currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer.-University of Hawaiʻi:Kai played for the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Wahine from 2002-2005...
, and Christie Rampone
Christie Rampone
Christie Patricia Rampone is an American soccer defender currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer. She is a member and current Captain of the United States women's national soccer team.-High school:...
allocated to Sky Blue FC.
On 24 September, the 2008 WPS International Draft
2008 WPS International Draft
The 2008 WPS International Draft took place on September 24, 2008. It was the first international draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of international players to the American-based teams...
was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Australian National Team
Australia women's national association football team
The Australia women's national association football team, nicknamed the Matildas , represents Australia in international women's association football and is governed by Football Federation Australia . The team has regularly qualified for both the Women's World Cup and the Olympics although has won...
forward Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh is an Australian football forward currently playing for Sydney FC of Australia's W-League and is a member of the Australia women's national association football team....
in the first round, Brazilian National Team
Brazil women's national football team
The Brazil women's national football team represents Brazil in international women's association football. Brazil played their first game on July 22, 1986 against the United States....
members Rosana
Rosana dos Santos Augusto
Rosana dos Santos Augusto , commonly known as Rosana, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder currently playing for French club Lyon in the Division 1 Féminine. She is also a member of the Brazilian Women's National Team.-Club career:Rosana played for years in Brazil before moving to...
and Ester
Ester Aparecida dos Santos
Ester Aparecida dos Santos, or simply Ester is a Brazilian women's soccer player, who plays for Sky Blue FC.- Career :...
in the second and third rounds respectively, finished with Canadian National Team
Canada women's national soccer team
The Canada women's national soccer team is overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association. The team reached its all-time high of 6th in the March 2011 rankings. The team reached international prominence finishing in 4th place at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003, losing to their archrival American team...
midfielder Kelly Parker
Kelly Parker
Kelly Parker is a Canadian soccer midfielder who plays for Atlanta Beat and the Canadian national team.-Career:Prior to joining SC Freiburg, Parker played for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer, UTEP Miners, Ottawa Fury and F.C. Indiana.Parker played for W-League winners Buffalo Flash in...
in the fourth round. In addition to these picks, Sky Blue FC also named Australian National Team
Australia women's national association football team
The Australia women's national association football team, nicknamed the Matildas , represents Australia in international women's association football and is governed by Football Federation Australia . The team has regularly qualified for both the Women's World Cup and the Olympics although has won...
midfielder Collette McCallum
Collette McCallum
Collette McCallum is an Australian football midfielder currently playing for Perth Glory of the Australian W-League.-Career:She played for Pali Blues in the American W-League in 2008...
and England National Team
England women's national football team
The England women's national football team represents England in international women's football. The side has been quite successful of late, qualifying for three World Cups, 1995, 2007 and 2011...
defender Anita Asante
Anita Asante
Anita Amma Ankyewah Asante is an English football defender currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer. She is a member of the England women's national football team....
as post-draft discovery players on 26 September 2008 and 2 October 2008 respectively, and were awarded their WPS playing rights.
To further assign player rights, on 6 October the 2008 WPS General Draft
2008 WPS General Draft
The 2008 WPS General Draft took place on October 6, 2008. It was the first general draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of international and domestic players to the American-based teams.-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:...
took place. Sky Blue FC drafted Cori Alexander
Cori Alexander
Corinne Renae Alexander is an American soccer goalkeeper and artistic photographer.- University career :...
, Keeley Dowling
Keeley Dowling
Keeley Kathleen Dowling is an American soccer defender currently playing for the Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* *...
, Kacey White
Kacey White
Kacey Dell White is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for the Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-External links:* * * *...
, and Jenny Hammond. Ian Sawyers closed out 2008 by choosing Kelly Lindsey to be his assistant coach on 3 December.
The new year brought new players. On 16 January, the 2009 WPS Draft
2009 WPS Draft
The 2009 WPS College Draft took place on January 16, 2009. It was the first college draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of college players to the American-based teams.-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:-Round 5:...
was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Yael Averbuch
Yael Averbuch
Yael Friedman Averbuch is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Western New York Flash of Women's Professional Soccer, and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team....
, Meghan Schnur
Meghan Schnur
Meghan Schnur is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team. Schnur is an alumnus of Butler Senior High School.Schnur played college soccer at the University of Connecticut...
, Karen Bardsley
Karen Bardsley
Karen Louise Bardsley is an American-born, English international football goalkeeper. She currently plays for Linköpings FC of the Swedish Damallsvenskan and is a member of the England women's national football team.-University career:Bardsley enrolled at California State University, Fullerton as...
, Christie Shaner
Christie Shaner
Christie Shaner is an American soccer defender who last played for Los Angeles Sol of Women's Professional Soccer.Shaner was drafted by Sky Blue FC in the 2009 WPS Draft...
, Julianne Sitch
Julianne Sitch
Julianne Sitch is an American professional soccer player who is a defender currently playing for Atlanta Beat of the Women's Professional Soccer league.-External links:* *...
, Jen Buczkowski
Jen Buczkowski
Jen Buczkowski is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* *...
, Zhang Ouying
Zhang Ouying
Zhang Ouying is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics and in the 2004 Summer Olympics.In 2000 she finished fifth with the Chinese team in the women's tournament. She played all three matches....
, Mary Therese McDonnell
Mary Therese McDonnell
Mary Therese McDonnell is an Irish American soccer defender. She is a Republic of Ireland women's national football team player. On the club level she has been unattached since being released from St...
, Mele French
Mele French
Mele French is an American soccer forward who currently plays for SC Freiburg.-Career:Prior she joined to SC Freiburg, played for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer, Ajax America, Pali Blues and Oregon Ducks....
, and Fanta Cooper.
2009 Season
Sky Blue FC kicked off its inaugural season on 5 April 2009 dropping a 2-0 decision to Los Angeles Sol at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater TownshipBridgewater Township, New Jersey
Bridgewater Township is a township in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. , the township population was 44,464.Bridgewater Township was originally created by Royal Charter on April 4, 1749, from portions of the Northern precinct, and was incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial group of...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
. It played its next game at the venue before moving permanently to Yurcak Field
Yurcak Field
Yurcak Field is a multi-purpose soccer and lacrosse stadium on the main campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway Township, New Jersey, United States. It was built in 1994 and holds 5,000 people. The stadium is officially named "The Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium at Yurcak Field" in honor of Ronald N...
on the campus of Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
.
The team stuttered to one win and two draws in their first six games, scoring only 3 goals in the process, before head coach and general manager Ian Sawyers
Ian Sawyers
Ian Sawyers is an American soccer coach.Sawyers attended Carnegie College, a division of Leeds Metropolitan University in Leeds, England. He played professional soccer for the Rotherham United club...
was suspended indefinitely by the team for disagreements on 23 May 2009. He was eventually relieved of his duties as head coach and general manager on 28 May 2009. In his absence, Kelly Lindsey stepped in as the interim
Caretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
and slowly started to turn around Sky Blue FC's on-field fortunes. She was eventually permanently installed as head coach on 19 June 2009.
Lindsey's time at the helm was short-lived as she abruptly resigned from her position on 30 July 2009. She had won five games and drawn three others in her twelve total matches before Christie Rampone
Christie Rampone
Christie Patricia Rampone is an American soccer defender currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer. She is a member and current Captain of the United States women's national soccer team.-High school:...
was named the second interim
Caretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
of the year and third head coach overall. Her position also included playing on the field and was the first player/manager in WPS history. Rampone lead Sky Blue FC into 4th position and secured the final playoff spot for the 2009 playoffs
2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs
The 2009 WPS Playoffs were the postseason to Women's Professional Soccer's 2009 Season, that started on August 15 and culminated on August 22 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.-Format:...
. Sky Blue FC upended both Washington Freedom
Washington Freedom
The Washington Freedom was an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Germantown, Maryland that participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The Freedom was originally founded in 2001 as a member of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association. Since 2004, the...
and Saint Louis Athletica to make the championship game against Los Angeles Sol. A 16th minute Heather O'Reilly
Heather O'Reilly
Heather Ann O'Reilly , also known by her initials HAO, is a member of the United States women's national soccer team and a two-time Olympic Gold medalist...
strike earned Sky Blue FC the championship on 22 August 2009, beating the Sol on their own home field of The Home Depot Center
The Home Depot Center
The Home Depot Center is a multiple-use sports complex located on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. It is located approximately 10 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles. Its title sponsor is hardware retailer The Home Depot. The $150 million complex was...
in Carson
Carson, California
Carson is a city in Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2010 census, Carson had a total population of 91,714. Located south of downtown Los Angeles and approximately 14 miles away from the Los Angeles International Airport, it is known as a suburb of the city....
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Attempt to repeat
With two additional teams, Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence, joining the league for 2010, Sky Blue FC were destined to lose players from their championship-winning side. On 15 September, the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft2009 WPS Expansion Draft
The 2009 WPS Expansion Draft was a special draft for the Women's Professional Soccer teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence taking place on September 15, 2009. Each expansion team made 9 selections from the existing seven WPS teams.-Format:...
was held with Jen Buczkowski
Jen Buczkowski
Jen Buczkowski is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* *...
moving to Philadelphia and Noelle Keselica
Noelle Keselica
Noelle Dominique Keselica is an American soccer forward currently playing for Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* *...
headed to Atlanta.
Sky Blue FC announced on 29 September 2009 that former Finnish National Team
Finland women's national football team
The Finland women's national football team represents Finland in international women's football. The team, controlled by the Football Association of Finland , reached the semi-finals of the 2005 European Championship, surprising the female football world having drawn with Sweden and beaten Denmark...
player Pauliina Miettinen
Pauliina Miettinen
Pauliina Miettinen is a Finnish football coach and former player. She is the head coach of Naisten Liiga team PK-35 Vantaa.During her playing career, Miettinen played as goalkeeper, defender and forward...
would be head coach of the team for the 2010 season after completing her coaching duties with PK-35 Vantaa
Pallokerho-35
Pallokerho-35 is a Finnish football club, based in Vantaa. It currently plays in the Finnish First Division . As of the 2009 season the club has been based at the ISS Stadion, Myyrmäki, Vantaa....
.
Current squad
- As of 24 August 2011
Head coaches
Information correct as of 23 October 2009. Only competitive matches (regular season and playoffs) are counted. Wins, losses, and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of penalty shootouts are not counted.| Name | Nationality | From | |Honours | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Sawyers Ian Sawyers Ian Sawyers is an American soccer coach.Sawyers attended Carnegie College, a division of Leeds Metropolitan University in Leeds, England. He played professional soccer for the Rotherham United club... |
 |
5 March 2008 | 23 May 2009 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 16.67 | |
| Kelly Lindsey |  |
23 May 2009 | 29 July 2009 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 12 | 41.67 | |
| Christie Rampone Christie Rampone Christie Patricia Rampone is an American soccer defender currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer. She is a member and current Captain of the United States women's national soccer team.-High school:... |
|
30 July 2009 | 29 September 2009 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 80.00 | WPS Playoff Champions 2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs The 2009 WPS Playoffs were the postseason to Women's Professional Soccer's 2009 Season, that started on August 15 and culminated on August 22 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.-Format:... |
| Pauliina Miettinen Pauliina Miettinen Pauliina Miettinen is a Finnish football coach and former player. She is the head coach of Naisten Liiga team PK-35 Vantaa.During her playing career, Miettinen played as goalkeeper, defender and forward... |
 |
29 September 2009 | Present | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Notes
- A Named caretaker managerCaretaker managerIn association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
on 23 May 2009 after Ian SawyersIan SawyersIan Sawyers is an American soccer coach.Sawyers attended Carnegie College, a division of Leeds Metropolitan University in Leeds, England. He played professional soccer for the Rotherham United club...
was suspended indefinitely from his duties of both Head Coach and General Manager. She was appointed permanently on 19 June 2009.
- B Named caretakerCaretaker managerIn association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
player-manager on 30 July 2009 after Kelly Lindsey resigned from her duties as Head Coach.
- C Named manager on 29 September 2009 and took charge at the end of her contract with PK-35 VantaaPallokerho-35Pallokerho-35 is a Finnish football club, based in Vantaa. It currently plays in the Finnish First Division . As of the 2009 season the club has been based at the ISS Stadion, Myyrmäki, Vantaa....
.
Honors
- Women's Professional SoccerWomen's Professional SoccerWomen's Professional Soccer is the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States. It began play on March 29, 2009. The league was composed of seven teams for its first two seasons and fielded 6 teams for the 2011 season, with continued plans for future expansion...
- Winners (1): 20092009 Women's Professional Soccer seasonThe 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season served as the inaugural season for WPS, the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States...
- Winners (1): 2009