Sky Blue to Provide Preview in Exhibition against Ottawa

The Fury, which will also be facing the New Jersey Wildcats, is facing Sky Blue for the third time with victories in the first two matchups. Ottawa knocked off Jersey 3-2 in an exhibition match in Canada last June and followed that up with a 4-0 victory over the second-year franchise in the semifinal round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in Ottawa.

While the Fury maintain a strong roster for the 2008 season, the team has a new look including a new head coach in Craig Smith. Prior to 2007, Ottawa reached the W-League semifinals four straight seasons including trips to the championship match in 2005 and 2006 but most of the players from those seasons have moved on to new teams. Sky Blue has two former Fury players on its roster including Leah Robinson, who played in Ottawa for the past five seasons, and Stacey Stocco, who was there for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

Returning players of note to the Fury squad for the 2008 season are former Rutgers University standout Zoe Avner, Alex Valerio of Princeton University and the Portugal Women’s National Team, and England youth internationals Jodie Taylor and Rachael Axon. New additions include Sari Raber, who represented Canada at the 2004 U-19 and 2006 U-20 FIFA World Championships, former University of Maryland standout Ashly Kennedy, and Denmark youth international Cecilie Henriksen. Also joining the team is Adrienne Ruhe-Lischke, who led the W-League’s Toronto Lady Lynx in scoring with eight goals and 20 points.

Sky Blue has started the season in successful fashion claiming victories in its first two games with both coming on the road. Jersey knocked off the Boston Renegades 1-0 to open the season before claiming a 3-1 win over the Connecticut Passion. Sky Blue opens its home schedule on May 31 when it hosts Boston at 7:30 p.m. at Drew University in Madison, NJ. Tickets for the home opener are available through the Sky Blue Soccer website.

Yolanda Odenyo has been a major force for Sky Blue through the first two games with two selections to the W-League Team of the Week already. The Sweden international scored the only goal against Boston and then followed that up with two goals against Connecticut. The exhibition match against the Fury will also give Sky Blue head coach Denise Reddy a great opportunity to look at a number of new players that have recently joined the team.

Fans in attendance will be eligible to win a number of raffle prizes and Sky Blue will also have ticket specials for the 2008 season available for purchase at the game. The Cougar Soccer Club of Maplewood and South Orange will showcase this free event as part of its annual Memorial Day Invitational. Check out the tournament online at www.cougarsoccerclub.com.

DIRECTIONS TO MEADOWLAND PARK

155 Meadowbrook Lane
South Orange, New Jersey 07079

From GSP North:

At the I-78/Union Toll Booth, keep to the sharp right. The exit is immediately to the right after the Toll Booth. You need to get to the other side of I-78. Do this by following I-78 East to Exit 54, Hillside/Irvington. Watch for the I-78 West signs, follow them through the intersection. Once back on I-78 West, follow the signs to Exit 50 and follow I-78 West directions.

From GSP South:

Take Garden State Parkway South to I-280 West Exit. Follow I-280 West to Exit 10 for South Orange. Take first left-hand turn at traffic light onto Northfield Avenue. Proceed three traffic lights to Gregory Avenue. Make a Left turn onto Gregory Avenue. Proceed to next full stop light, about 1 mile, to the corner of Gregory and Walker Road. The Gregory School is on the corner. Turn Left at this light and follow Walker straight to the bottom of the hill (where it stops). This is called Valley Street in West Orange. Turn Right. Valley becomes Ridgewood once you enter South Orange. Wind on Ridgewood up a gradual incline. After approximately 3/4 mile, a large park area will open on your left with a view down a sharp hill. This park area is called Flood’s Hill. In the middle of the park, turn Left at Mead Street.

From I-78 East:

Follow I-78 East to exit 49B. The exit ramp curves to the right and you will come out on Springfield Avenue. Follow signs to "Valley Street" jughandle. Make a right into jughandle (to make a left onto Valley Street). Turn Left at the first light on Valley St., Vaux Hall Road. The next light is the intersection of Millburn Ave, Vauxhall Road and Ridgewood Road. Proceed across intersection onto Ridgewood Road. Follow Ridgewood about 2 miles through Maplewood and South Orange. Stop at bottom of a small hill at flashing light. Turn left, still on Ridgewood Road. Go through traffic light at South Orange Avenue, past Middle School on your right. Turn right at Mead Street, the next corner.

From I-78 West:

Coming North on GSP. At the I-78 Toll Booth, keep to the sharp right. The exit is immediately to the right after the Toll Booth. You need to get to the other side of I-78. Do this by following I-78 East to Exit 54, Hillside/Irvington. Watch for the I-78 West signs, follow them through the intersection. Once back on I-78 West, follow the signs to Exit 50, Union/Millburn. Take Exit 50B, Springfield/Maplewood. One sign says 50B, Millburn. This exits at Vaux Hall Road. Follow Vaux Hall to the right, through two lights. The next light is the intersection of Millburn Ave, Vauxhall Road and Ridgewood Road (at this corner is an Exxon station on the right). Proceed onto Ridgewood Road and follow from above.