Boxscore (all statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial.)

PISCATAWAY, NJ (June 28, 2009) – Saint Louis Athletica wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in New Jersey as Eniola Aluko notched an opening strike in just the second minute of action, but it was Elise Weber’s game-winner in the 84th minute that gave a 2-1 at Yurcak Field at Rutgers University in this WPS Sunday night matchup in front of 3,256 fans.

Lori Chalupny provided the ball that Aluko finished off for the first goal as she beat Sky Blue goalkeeper Jenni Branam with a well-placed shot to the far left post. Melissa Tancredi set up Weber for the game-winner late in the second half and Hope Solo turned in a seven save performance.

Sky Blue FC held a 21-5 advantage in shots but could only muster one goal off the foot of Julianne Sitch that tied the score in the 76th minute.  Athletica were unable to clear a ball out of their penalty area and Sitch pounced on a chance and was able to beat Hope Solo with a well-taken show to notch the game at 1-1

“We didn’t play the best but we won the game,” said Aluko. “We played very well against Los Angeles and lost and we played so-so here tonight but we got the result and that is what counts. We kept going and Elise Weber stepped up.”

Weber’s goal was certainly unexpected. Her chance from the right side got over the top of Branam and found its way into the far left netting well inside the post.

“I saw Tancredi take the throw in and their defender was paying attention to her so I just made the run and hoped for something good,” said Weber. The goal was her first as a professional. “I was just looking to get it across the goal and be dangerous with it.”

Athletica absorbed constant pressure from Sky Blue in both halves of the game but for the most part looked comfortable in defense. Sky Blue outshot Saint Louis 21 to 5 and had 8 corners to Athletica’s none.

"It's very encouraging that we were able to come back as we did - I really believe in this team and I think we will still have many successes this season," said Sky Blue FC Head Coach Kelly Lindsey. "We're going to do great things this season; all we need is a little more consistency in our game to reach our goals."

The win moves Athletica up to 17 points for the year and starts a three game road trip in fine fashion. Athletica are now 5-5-2 on the season and have drawn back to the .500 mark for the second time. The win also moves Athletica from fourth to third in the standings.

With the loss, Sky Blue FC drops to 3-6-3 for 12 points while Saint Louis Athletica improves to 5-5-2 for 17 points. Sky Blue FC returns to action on July 4 when it hosts the Boston Breakers at 4 p.m. at Yurcak Field. Next up for Saint Louis is a two game swing to California to face FC Gold Pride on July 5 and Los Angeles on July 8th. 


Boxscore (all statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial.)