Sky Blue FC: Postseason Accolades Continue

Let’s see, by my recollection the state of New Jersey has six major professional sport franchises. The Giants and Jets of the NFL, the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, the NBA’s New Jersey Nets, Red Bull of Major League Soccer and last year’s darlings of Women’s Pro Soccer(WPS), Sky Blue FC.

Well gentleman, thanks for your participation but please step aside, because thanks to their surprise victory in this past season's WPS Championship game, Sky Blue is now the reigning Team of the Year in the Garden State.

The honor was bestowed on the defending champs Monday night, by the New Jersey Sports Writers Association (NJSWA).

Sky Blue FC actually reached the 2009 postseason after clinching the fourth and final playoff spot, and then had to win three games on the road in 10 days. Each of its three matches were against teams they had not beaten during the regular season. With all odds stacked against them, the team allowed only a single goal in those three games combined to eventually emerge as league champs.

In addition to Team of The Year honors, the NJSWA also tabbed team captain/coach Christie Rampone as its Sportswoman of the Year.

"I am very honored to be recognized and treated so wonderfully by the New Jersey Sports Writers," Rampone said of being recognized by the NJSWA. "I have worked really hard since I left Monmouth University in 1997, and to see all my effort and dedication be recognized feels great. New Jersey is packed with so many professional sports teams and great college programs, and that makes this acknowledgment mean so much more."

Congratulations to Christie and Sky Blue FC.  By the way, I love the new bullseye the team has added for the upcoming season.

Sky Blue FC is the New Jersey/New York franchise in Women's Professional and plays its home matches at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, and the team will play its 2010 WPS home opener on Sunday, April 11th, against the Chicago Red Stars. For season ticket information, visit www.SkyBlueFC.com 

Note: Christie Rampone quote courtesy NJSWA