Atlanta Beat Lose By One at Home Opener Against Sky Blue FC

The Atlanta Beat and Sky Blue FC played an aggressive game Sunday night, with the Beat leading in shots on goal 15-3, but losing the overall game 1-0.

In the 50^th minute of the game, a miscommunication led to a goal for Sky Blue from a Heather O’Reilly cross. “It’s about putting the ball in the net. We gave them a very poor goal on our part,” said Atlanta Beat head coach Gareth O’Sullivan.

The Beat led in all offensive categories throughout the game, which forced Sky Blue FC’s goalkeeper Karen Bardsley to make 13 saves.

The stadium was packed with 7,248 Women’s Professional Soccer fans, which is the greatest attendance in WPS this season. The fans were very active in showing support for their team.

Defender Kia McNeil said about the crowd, “Fan support tonight just speaks for itself. The crowd automatically gave us a high. We were playing for our fans, and you can really see the potential in this team.”

The Atlanta Beat’s next game takes place on Sunday, May 16, at Kennesaw State University Stadium against the Washington Freedom. The game will also air on Fox Soccer Channel at 6 p.m.

*Photo courtesy of theatlantabeat.com