Los Angeles-Sky Blue FC: LeBlanc Posts Eighth Shutout in Scoreless Draw

On a day where Women's Professional Soccer commemorated the USA's 1999 Women's World Cup victory, league-leaders Los Angeles Sol paid a visit to Joe Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University to take on Sky Blue FC one final time this season.

A waterlogged pitch, combined with a barrage of from Kelly Lindsey's club, held the Sol at bay in a 0-0 draw Saturday.

And when Sky Blue FC had their chances, they had their chances.

In the 14th minute, Kai's volley was out of reach for Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, but it hit the woodwork before she scooped it up. Three minutes later, another volley just missed the net.

In the 57th minute, LeBlanc (who also coaches at Rutgers) made a leaping save over Sky Blue FC's Rosana. In the 76th, LeBlanc made yet another impressive stop to go with one more in the 90th.

LeBlanc finished the day with three saves, and a number of stops. The shutout was her eighth of the season.

Los Angeles had an opportunity to go ahead in the 11th off a long ball from Aly Wagner. Sky Blue FC net-minder Jenni Branam was there to parry it out of danger.

Defensively, Sky Blue FC was able to contain Marta, who was responsible for the Sol's two victories in their prior meetings.

Knowing that a victory over the league leaders would put them into the chase for a playoff spot, Sky Blue FC outshot the Sol 14-5 for the match.

In the end, wastful finishing combined with a playing surface that saw both sides slip and slide up and down the pitch consigned the home team to splitting the points with Abner Rogers's club, who are 12 points ahead of the Washington Freedom for first on the table (7-1-4, 25 pts).

"We played New Jersey soccer today, getting down and dirty in the mud," said Lindsey after the match. "Our team was prepared for the conditions tonight; I thought they did very well with the weather.

"I give our team a lot of credit, there was a ton of passion and energy today and I think that they deserved the result.

"We would have liked a victory, but today was a moral victory for us."

Next week, the Sol play a grueling three matches in seven days. They with return to the Home Depot Center to face FC Gold Pride on Sunday, June 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00PM ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.

Sky Blue FC host the Chicago Red Stars on June 17 at Yurcak Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00PM ET.

06.13.2009
Piscataway, New Jersey, – Yurcak Field

Los Angeles Sol – Sky Blue FC 0:0 (0:0)
      1     2     F
Los Angeles     0     0     0
Sky Blue FC     0     0     0

Scoring Summary
NONE

Lineups

Sky Blue FC: Jenni Branam; Keeley Dowling(C), Anita Asante, Christie Rampone(C), Meghan Schnur; Heather O'Reilly(C), Yael Averbuch, Rosana (Collette McCallum: 60), Kelly Parker; Natasha Kai, Kacey White.

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Keri Sanchez, Allison Falk, Martina Franko, Stephanie Cox; Camille Abily, Shannon Boxx (C), Aly Wagner, Aya Miyama, Brittany Bock, Marta.

Misconduct Summary
Sky Blue – Natasha Kai (caution) 51'
Sol – Brittany Bock (caution) 83'

Statistics - LA / NY/NJ
Shots - 5 (3) / 14 (7)
Shots on Goal - 3 (2) / 4 (3)
Saves - 3 (2) / 3 (2)
Fouls - 4 (2) / 7 (1)   
Corners  - 1 (1) / 2 (0)
Offside - 0 (0) / 3 (0)

Referee: Daniel Radford
Linesmen: Teresa Miguel, Brian Dunn
4th Official: Dario Urrutia
Attendance: 4,138
Weather: Rainy and 63 degrees