Goalkeeper Chantel Jones Announces Retirement
January 22, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ELMA, N.Y. - Western New York Flash goalkeeper Chantel Jones has retired from professional soccer, it was announced today.
"I want to thank the Flash organization for giving me a chance and believing in me, and, I also want to thank the Flash fans for welcoming me as if I had played for the club for years," Jones said. "I really appreciate everything this organization has done for me and wish them nothing but the best for the future."
Jones joined the Flash for the 2015 season, after being acquired via trade with the Washington Spirit. In 13 appearances for the Flash, the 27-year-old made a team-high 60 saves with two shutouts and a 1.65 goals against average.
Outside of the NWSL, Jones helped lead Canberra United to the W-League Championship in 2015 after making a key penalty kick save in the final match. The goalkeeper also previously played with Perth Glory in Australia and Ãór Akureyri in Iceland.
Jones represented the USA in the 2007 Pan American Games and later helped lead the U-20 U.S. Women's National Team to the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup championship in Chile.
A 2011 graduate of the University of Virginia, Jones finished her career with the Cavaliers with 47 shutouts, which currently sits at third-most in the all-time NCAA record book.
"Throughout my soccer career, I have experienced a lot of amazing things and met some inspiring and incredible people that I will cherish forever," Jones added. "While this is an end to a big chapter in my life, I am excited to begin this new chapter and to see what the future holds."
"Chantel has been a fantastic ambassador for women's soccer and great mentor for the Flash. It was a pleasure working with her last season," said Flash Assistant and Goalkeeper Coach Daniel Clitnovici. "On behalf of everyone at Western New York, I want to wish Chantel all the best with her time away from football."
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from January 22, 2016
- Hope Solo Wins CONCACAF 2015 Female Goalkeeper of the Year - Seattle Reign FC
- Goalkeeper Chantel Jones Announces Retirement - Western New York Flash
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
