Match Preview: Breakers vs. Sky Blue FC

The Breakers have a chance to win two in a row when they face Sky Blue FC at home.

Sky Blue is 1-3-2, in eighth place overall, but the Breakers should by no means relax. Sky Blue has earned points against the Reign, the Dash, and reigning champs FC Kansas City, while taking narrow losses against the Spirit and Red Stars. Forward Nadia Nadim is a potent weapon to toss at back lines and midfielder Katy Freels is having a decent season with two goals in six games; the two account for all four of Sky Blue's goals this season. Still, without a little more firepower, they might find the renewed Boston defense a good test.

Boston finally clicked against the Portland Thorns. Defender Julie King said that last weekend's game "felt really good.   It felt natural. It was nice. Everybody really, the whole back line and Amy [Barczuk] and [Katie Schoepfer] in front of us. It really felt fluid."

With Cat Whitehill still on the injured list, the Boston back line should look much the same, with King and Kallman holding the center and Pathman and new signing Lauren Lazo on the wings. Lazo may look to get forward more this time as she grows more comfortable in the role, increasing service from the right and giving Kristie Mewis extra room to maneuver.

Mewis will be another player to watch; the midfielder has slowly picked up steam as the season progresses and will want to capitalize on her momentum. Mewis had five shots on goal against the Thorns, over half of the team's total shots. If Rafinha, Nkem Ezurike, or Morgan Marlborough can get more into the attack, drawing players from McCaffrey, the Breakers could create intense attacking pressure.

Of note, the Breakers will be retiring former captain Leslie Osborne's jersey at halftime. Osborne dedicated several  years to the Breakers both on and off the pitch and will see her name joining the Breakers "Pillars of Excellence" along with Maren Meinert, Angela Hucles, and Kristine Lilly.