August 22, 2010 (New Brunswick, NJ)--The Independence traveled to New Jersey to face Sky Blue FC tonight, encountering a two-hour rain delay and falling 1-0 on the road.  Sky Blue FC’s Yael Averbuch netted the only goal of the game to lift New Jersey over Philadelphia for the first time this season.

The teams came out strong from the first whistle, with early chances for both sides.  Philadelphia’s Estelle Johnson put a chance just wide in the sixth minute, and Lori Lindsey’s kick found Allison Falk at the back post in the tenth minute, but her one-time shot hit the side netting outside the goal.  Rosana nearly put one away for Sky Blue FC, showing her quick feet outside the box and sending a shot just over the crossbar. 

Sixteen minutes into the match, both teams were required to leave the field due to lightning and did not return to play for nearly two hours.  When the play resumed, the slick grass made the ball skip and players slip, and neither team was able to maintain solid possession.  Both sides had a few offensive opportunities, with Sky Blue FC posting five shots in the first half and the Independence getting four, but neither team was able to put one in the back of the net before the half.

With back to back chances ten minutes into the second half, the Independence looked like they might get on the board first. Tina DiMartino connected with Adams at the top of the box, but the shot was blocked by a Sky Blue defender.  Seconds later, a slotted pass to DiMartino sprung her free on the left side, but her attempt was collected by goalkeeper Jenni Branam.  

Sky Blue FC capitalized on their chance just minutes later when Heather O’Reilly beat her defender on the sideline and sent a cross to Yael Averbuch who one-timed the ball out of the air, nailing the upper ninety to put Sky Blue FC ahead 1-0.  The goal would be the only of the game for either team, despite several dangerous opportunities for both sides.

The Independence brought both Lyndsey Patterson and Lianne Sanderson in off the bench to provide an offensive spark late in the second half, but an outstanding performance by Sky Blue goalkeeper Jenni Branam held the Independence scoreless.  Branam missed the majority of the season due to an injury sustained early in the year, but she showed her strength and value to New Jersey with her solid anchoring of the net against Philly.  

"We’re disappointed that we weren’t able to capture a win on the road tonight" said General Manager Louise Waxler. "We are still looking to secure a playoff berth, and we have full confidence that the Independence has what it takes to move forward and earn a spot in the postseason race for the title."

The Independence will host its final regular season home game of the season next Sunday, August 22 against the Boston Breakers.  Both teams are fighting to secure a playoff berth, and the game will be an important determinant in the race to host a playoff match.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm at John A. Farrell Stadium.