Christie Pearce will miss her first league game in almost two years due to a NWSL concussion protocol. (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
Sky Blue FC will be without two key players for its home opener against FC Kansas City Sunday — defender Christie Pearce and striker Sam Kerr.
Pearce, long-time captain of the team, will miss the National Women’s Soccer League game due to a league concussion protocol.
According to a club spokesman, the team did not see any indications of a concussion occuring during Sky Blue FC’s 1-0 loss at the Boston Breakers last week.
After the match ended, head coach Christy Holly and his training staff became concerned and immediately placed the former U.S. international captain and defender in concussion protocol, the spokesman said.
After playing every single minute of every game last season, Pearce will miss her first game since 2015. Her consecutive match streak will end at 29.
Pearce missed her last league game due to her participation in the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada
Kerr is in Australia to attend the Dolan Warren Awards, but she is expected to return to New Jersey early next week.
There was no official comment from Holly on Pearce’s condition.
Sunday’s home opener at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J. kicks off at 6 p.m.
After going winless in its first two matches on the road, Sky Blue (0-1-1, 1) will try for its first win of the season. Last week the Jersey side dropped a 1-0 decision at the Boston Breakers.
“We are looking forward to getting back on home soil and playing in front of our fans in New Jersey for the first time this season,” Holly said in a statement. “As a club, it is very important to us that we give our home fans a very enjoyable season, and that all begins with a good performance on Sunday.”
