With the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs out of the question, Sky Blue FC still has plenty incentive to register wins and points the rest of the season.
Ninth-place Sky Blue FC (0-14-5, 5 points) needs to accrue nine points in its final five games, including four consecutive road matches, to avoid that dubious distinction. Given the abysmal results of the team, that must be considered a long shot at the present time.
As for avoiding ignominious records, the 2016 Boston Breakers (3-15-2, 11 points) finished with the poorest record in the six-year history of the league. That version of the Breakers tied the 2013 Washington Spirit for the least wins in a season with three apiece.
The New Jersey side will also try to avoid setting the league mark for the most losses in a season, 16, held by the 2014 Houston Dash.
Sky Blue FC is coming off a 2-2 home draw with Utah Royals FC Saturday night. The team visits Portland Thorns FC Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET.
The remaining schedule (all times ET)
Aug. 22 — at Portland Thorns FC, 11 p.m.
Aug. 25 — at Houston Dash, 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 1 — at Washington Spirit, 7 p.m
Sept. 4 — at Chicago Red Stars, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 8 — Orlando Pride, noon
Here are the worst finishes in each of the NWSL’s first five seasons
2013 — Washington Spirit — 3-14-5, 14 points, eighth place
2014 — Houston Dash — 5-16-3, 18 points, ninth place
2015 — Boston Breakers — 4-13-3, 15 points, ninth place
2016 — Boston Breakers — 3-15-2, 11 points — 10th place
2017 — Washington Spirit — 4-13-7 19 points — 10th place
2017 — Boston Breakers — 4-13-7, 19 points — ninth place