|
|
The Bard: Allow WPS Player Karen Bardsley To Introduce WPS Player Karen Bardsley
In a new exclusive column on Goal.com, Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Karen Bardsley begins her brilliantly sassy, secretly revealing, nominally British chronicle of life in Women’s Professional Soccer.
May 8, 2009 1:22:09 PM
By Karen Bardsley
Let me introduce myself. My name is Karen Bardsley. Some of you might know me…no, never mind, I’m a goalkeeper and I play for Sky Blue FC, the New Jersey team of Women’s Professional Soccer.
I have been asked to write a weekly “web-log,” basically chronicling my thoughts and experiences and revealing my deepest, darkest secrets as they pertain to WPS. Ok, I’m getting a little carried away, maybe just thoughts and experiences…
I grew up playing soccer in Southern California for various clubs, but had the longest stints under the tutelage of Ali Khoshroshahin (Upland Celtic ’93 – ’98), Larry Draluck, Hugh Donald, and Tad Bobak (So Cal Blues ’99 -’01).
I then moved on to college, and met up again with Ali at California State University, Fullerton in Orange County. I had a fantastic experience playing for Ali from 2002- 2006.
In 2003, I was called up to join the English National Team—my parents moved to the States from England some thirty odd years ago—for a trial in Alabama (the English National Team in Alabama?) before a friendly against the United States. All went well and I was invited to play in the U-19 European Championship, and subsequently join the senior team for a friendly against Australia and Germany.
I had a lot of great experiences with England—the Algarve Cup and the Nordic Cup, to name a few—but it all ended too quickly. Because after some time with England, I returned to Cal State Fullerton and broke my right tibia in a game against the University of Washington.
After I recovered, I had a somewhat nondescript 2004 season, but 2005 was a different story. We had the greatest season in Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer history: We reached the sweet sixteen in the NCAA tournament. (Random side note: I also threw the javelin for two years and currently hold the school record.)
I graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art, in Graphic Design and all in all, I can look back on my collegiate experience and say that I really did enjoy myself.
Well, that’s me in a nutshell. Now let’s get to the fun stuff.
Karen Bardsley is a goalkeeper for WPS side Sky Blue FC, who play at Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, May 10. Her column, “The Bard,” appears weekly on Goal.com.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Karen Bardsley. Some of you might know me…no, never mind, I’m a goalkeeper and I play for Sky Blue FC, the New Jersey team of Women’s Professional Soccer.
I have been asked to write a weekly “web-log,” basically chronicling my thoughts and experiences and revealing my deepest, darkest secrets as they pertain to WPS. Ok, I’m getting a little carried away, maybe just thoughts and experiences…
I grew up playing soccer in Southern California for various clubs, but had the longest stints under the tutelage of Ali Khoshroshahin (Upland Celtic ’93 – ’98), Larry Draluck, Hugh Donald, and Tad Bobak (So Cal Blues ’99 -’01).
I then moved on to college, and met up again with Ali at California State University, Fullerton in Orange County. I had a fantastic experience playing for Ali from 2002- 2006.
In 2003, I was called up to join the English National Team—my parents moved to the States from England some thirty odd years ago—for a trial in Alabama (the English National Team in Alabama?) before a friendly against the United States. All went well and I was invited to play in the U-19 European Championship, and subsequently join the senior team for a friendly against Australia and Germany.
I had a lot of great experiences with England—the Algarve Cup and the Nordic Cup, to name a few—but it all ended too quickly. Because after some time with England, I returned to Cal State Fullerton and broke my right tibia in a game against the University of Washington.
After I recovered, I had a somewhat nondescript 2004 season, but 2005 was a different story. We had the greatest season in Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer history: We reached the sweet sixteen in the NCAA tournament. (Random side note: I also threw the javelin for two years and currently hold the school record.)
I graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art, in Graphic Design and all in all, I can look back on my collegiate experience and say that I really did enjoy myself.
Well, that’s me in a nutshell. Now let’s get to the fun stuff.
Karen Bardsley is a goalkeeper for WPS side Sky Blue FC, who play at Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, May 10. Her column, “The Bard,” appears weekly on Goal.com.
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.