WPS Sky Blue FC

Goalkeeper Kristin Arnold Signs with Sky Blue FC

Published on January 24, 2011 under Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Somerset, N.J. (Monday, January 24, 2010) - Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) solidified its goalkeeping situation today, announcing the addition of free agent netminder Kristin Arnold. The Ohio native will join a highly talented goalkeeping crew for the team, which currently possesses English National Team member Karen Bardsley and former U.S. National Team player Jenni Branam.

"With only two picks in the WPS Draft, we were unable to use one of those selections on a goalkeeper. However, Kristin was definitely our top choice when it came to the position," Sky Blue FC head coach Jim Gabarra stated of the Texas A&M senior. "Luckily, we managed to get through the draft with her still available. As soon as the draft ended, I spoke to Rick (Stainton, assistant coach) and said 'let's get her on the phone and offer her a contract.' She was very grateful for the opportunity and will be a very good fit to fill out our goalkeeping corps."

Arnold was an immediate starter when she arrived at Texas A&M in 2006, starting 23 matches during her freshman season and leading the Big 12 with eight shutouts. Her stellar season led to a number of accolades which included a first team nod to the Soccer Buzz Freshmen All-America Team. She followed that year up with a standout sophomore campaign, posting a league best seven shutouts and receiving All-Big 12 First Team honors. Heading into her junior season, Arnold spent time in camp with both the U-20 and U-23 U.S. National Teams, and she also made her U-23 debut in a game against Northern Ireland. As the fall approached, the skillful goalkeeper was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, but her season would be cut short when she sustained a knee injury in an early match opposite North Carolina.

Arnold then returned the following year after receiving a medical red shirt and recorded a league-high nine shutouts in 2009. She also backstopped the Aggies to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA College Cup, posting a season-high seven saves in a razor thin loss against Florida State in double overtime. Texas A&M again reached the postseason this past fall, and Arnold turned in eight saves in her final college game, a second round pairing with Minnesota.

"In this sport, we always talk about the four pillars of soccer, and Kristin fits the bill in each of them," assistant coach Rick Stainton said. "Technically, she is very sound. Tactically, she is very aware. Psychologically, she is very focused. Physically, she may be listed at six-foot, but she plays like she is 6-5 or 6-6. She already has all the tools, and now we just have to implement her into our style and existing corps. Without question, Kristin will certainly be an asset for us."

Sky Blue FC General Manager Gioia DiFlumeri also confirmed the organization's happiness with having Arnold on board.

"Kristin is a welcome addition to our team," she remarked. "We are in a great position in terms of our goalkeeping situation, and we will have a very competitive atmosphere at training as a result. That will only make all three goalkeepers raise their level of play, which will surely translate to team success on the field."

Sky Blue FC recently announced the dates of its single series of 2011 open tryouts, and the team will host two days of double sessions on March 6-7th. Location of the trials are currently being finalized, and the announcement of the facility will soon be made by Sky Blue FC. All other details concerning the tryouts will also be given when the location is revealed.

Sky Blue FC currently has season tickets on sale for the upcoming season of play, with packages starting as low as $99. The team is also temporarily offering a flex ticket special which offers fans two free game vouchers with the purchase of a full set of 10. Flex plans give fans the flexibility of using their game vouchers however they please, all while receiving the same benefits of being a season ticket holder. For more information on Sky Blue FC ticket options, visit www.SkyBlueFC.com or call 888-SBFC-TIX.

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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from January 24, 2011


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