In 2016, most media members thought Sky Blue FC would finish bottom of the table. With former head coach Jim Gabarra departing to the Washington Spirit, a replacement wasn’t appointed until the week of the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft. The roster had very few “star names” when compared to other teams, veteran players such as Caitlin Foord and Brittany Cameron were not returning for various reasons, Nadia Nadim was traded, and it felt as if a black cloud loomed above the club.
This all changed when the New Jersey squad defeated Seattle Reign FC 2-1 at Memorial Stadium for the season opener, the first loss ever for the Reign on that pitch.