Ottawa Edges Sky Blue Despite Nogueira's Two Goals
Casey Nogueira connected twice but it wasn't enough as the Ottawa Fury edged Jersey Sky Blue 3-2 in a W- League exhibition match in Ottawa. The match featured two of the better teams the W-League with Ottawa boasting a 5-0 record in the Northern Division and with Sky Blue coming in a 5-1 in the Northeast Division.
Sky Blue, which was without Brazilian star Formiga due to national team duty, held a 12-5 advantage in shots but it was Ottawa that made its chances count. Two goals by Annie Hamel - one set up by Rachael Axon in the 15th minute and one set up by Jodie Taylor in the 22nd minute - gave Ottawa a commanding 2-0 halftime lead.
After the break, Ottawa again struck first as Carmelina Moscato buried the eventual game-winner off an assist from Taylor in the 50th minute. Nogueira did her best to get Sky Blue back in the game with strikes in the 52nd and 67th minutes but Ottawa was able to hang on for the win.
Sky Blue returns to regular season action this Sunday when the first-year franchise hosts long-time W-League power the Boston Renegades. The teams will meet up at 5 p.m. at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ.