In a rather surprising move, Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League officially announced today that it has signed former goalkeeper Jill Loyden as a goalkeeper replacement. The move to sign Loyden, who has spent this season as an assistant coach for Sky Blue FC, comes after Caroline Stanley suffered a left shoulder sprain in game action last Saturday night against Portland Thorns FC. Before this injury, Stanley had made 24 saves with three clean sheets in nine matches this season.
“We are delighted to have Jill back involved with the first team,” said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach. “We are very fortunate to be able to bring on a player of her experience and caliber. She is very familiar with what we have been doing here all season long, and she has a great connection with the players. Additionally, her decision speaks volumes about her level of commitment to our club.”
Loyden last played for Sky Blue FC in 2014, making 17 starts while recording 69 saves and four shutouts. Joining her on the game day roster for tomorrow's match against the Houston Dash will be Caroline Casey, who has made 10 saves in three appearances this season.
Loyden is the consummate team player
“Obviously, this was not part of the original plan, but the team needs an extra goalkeeper at this time,” Loyden stated. “I am happy to help in any capacity or role where I may be needed until we can get Caroline Stanley back and healthy again.”
A native of Vineland, N.J., Loyden’s time with Sky Blue FC dates back to the origins of the franchise when she was a goalkeeper for Jersey Sky Blue of the USL W-League.Loyden joined Sky Blue FC in 2012 as part of the U.S. WNT allocation and spent two more years with the New Jersey club. Over that period, she registered a cumulative 8-7-6 record over 21 starts with five shutouts and 115 saves
In international play, Loyden worked her way onto the U.S. Women’s National Team (U.S. WNT) scene in 2010, earning her first cap on October 1st of that year when she backstopped her team to a 2-1 victory over China. The following year, she earned a spot on the U.S. WNT roster for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, and she served as an alternate in London for the Gold Medal winning U.S. WNT side at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Signing comes as a major surprise
Although she has kept herself in top shape, her signing does come as a major surprise. It also brings up the question as to why the team did not make an effort to retain New Zealand national goalkeeper Erin Nayler, whom the team signed last month. While Nayler is currently with her national team, her signing at the time was major news and Holly seemed enthusiastic about her potential with his club. One has to wonder what happened that made the team seem to sour on her.
Loyden's other ventures
Loyden is also the owner and operator of The Keeper Institute (TKI) in Sewell, N.J., which is an all-encompassing training school that aims to educate young goalkeepers in every component of the game. Additionally, she founded the Jillian Loyden Foundation in 2012, which was established with a mission to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people by empowering them and helping them find value in themselves. The JL Foundation hosts an annual “Break the Silence” Gala each year, conducted to raise awareness and empower people to help victims of domestic violence.