Passion Can't Overcome Early Deficit

New CT Club Falls to Jersey

May 19, 2008

The Connecticut Passion fell behind 2-0 in the first 16 minutes and were unable to make up the deficit, despite playing up a player for the final 40 minutes, eventually losing, 3-1, in their first ever W-League home game Saturday.

Two goals by Yolanda Odenyo and an outstanding display of defense while a player short for 40 minutes gave the Jersey Sky Blue (2-0) the road win over the CFC Passion at Reese Stadium in New Haven.

CFC Passion

Leading 3-1, the Sky Blue’s Kelly Eagen received a red card at the 50 minute mark forcing her club to be a player short for the remainder of the game. Despite the advantage, the Passion could not score. Sky Blue coach Denise Reddy felt the red card could have been a blessing in disguise.

“Like most teams at this early point in the season, our players are still learning to play with one another,” said Reddy. “The red card seemed to create a focus that had been missing and helped our team to play as one, especially on defense.”

The Passion, in their first season and playing their first home game, fell behind 2-0 in the first 16 minutes of the game. Marisa Brown beat Passion goalie Kelly Boudreau (Fairfield) with a shot just inside the right goal post in the fifth minute. Eleven minutes later, Odenyo scored her first goal capitalizing on sharp passes from Ashlyn Brantley and Brown.

The second goal seemed to awaken the Passion, who became more aggressive and drew to within one goal on Rachel Schuyler’s first score of the session. Schuyler beat one-time Villanova teammate Jillian Loyden on a 25-yard free kick. Schuyler said playing with Loyden for a season gave her an advantage.

“I knew her tendencies from practicing together,” Schulyer said. “I thought she would cheat to the right just a bit so I tried to aim my shot accordingly.”

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