Also in today’s Roundup, Canada books September 2 home friendly against Brazil
Sam Kerr’s words were heard by Sky Blue management who put out a statement Monday. (photo copyright Katie Cahalin for The Equalizer)
Sky Blue FC has responded to the maelstrom surrounding their club in the wake of post-match comments made by former player Sam Kerr on Saturday night. Kerr, who scored a hat trick in her first match back in New Jersey, said afterward that she did not enjoy her return to Yurcak Field. Kerr added that, “these girls deserve better.”
Several more former Sky Blue players doubled down on Kerr’s comments via Twitter, and the team’s official supporters group, Cloud 9, also released a statement. On Monday the team joined the party.
We want our supporters to know that your voices are being heard by each of us within Sky Blue FC, and we sincerely appreciate the consistent dedication that you provide our organization. Please continue to hold us accountable as we strive to deliver the best possible product for our players, coaches, staff, and you as fans. We know that we must all do better, and it is paramount that we lift each other up as we work towards achieving the same common goals. #PushForward
Sky Blue has consistently ranked at the bottom of NWSL attendance and have opened this season by going winless in a league record 14 consecutive matches. They host the league-leading North Carolina Courage this Saturday.
Canada to host Brazil on Labor Day weekend
Canada will host Brazil in an international friendly on Sunday, September 2 at TD Bank Place in Ottawa. It will be Canada’s second high-profile home friendly of the year after falling 3-2 to Germany in June.
Marta for Brazil (Getty Images)
“Bringing Brazil to Canada for this match in September is an extremely important opportunity for us as we prepare for the Concacaf Women’s Championship in October,” Canada head coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller said. “Brazil is an incredibly challenging team, with a wealth of talent, so having the opportunity to play them ahead of our (World Cup) qualification campaign will give us a good opportunity to test ourselves against another top ten team, while facing an opponent that will bring a different style of play than our most recent European opponents, which is something we expect we will face in the Concacaf Championships as well.”
Sam Kerr speaks out on return to New Jersey | Podcast
The Concacaf Women’s Championship will be held October 4-17 in the United States. Canada will be heavily favored to be one of the top three finishers which will mean a trip to France for next year’s World Cup. The fourth-place finisher will advance to an intercontinental playoff against Argentina. Canada will be in Group B and play their group matches at W-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas.
Canada have qualified for every World Cup since 1995. They won the last Concacaf Women’s Championship they were in in 2010. As hosts of the 2015 World Cup they qualified automatically and did not play in the tournament.
