Goalie Jill Loyden’s retirement from the NJ Sky Blue in October 2014 was a surprise to not only her teammates and fans but especially to her head coach Jim Gabarra.
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“At the goalkeeper position, players tend to be a little bit older when they truly get into their top form, so it is difficult to see a player retire who is just coming into her own,” Gabarra stated.
Indeed, Loyden had been playing in top form near the end of the season, back stopping the team to four straight wins, including two shutouts. Displaying tremendous footwork as well as sacrificing her body at all costs to make a save, she seemed to be nearing the peak of her talents.
Thus, when the announcement of her retirement was made, it left both Gabarra and GM Tony Novo both lamenting the loss of a key performer and wondering how they were going to replace her.
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“I am disappointed to see Jill retire at such an early age because I know that she has so much soccer left in her,” Novo said, echoing his coach’s comments. While her cumulative 8-7-6 record over 21 starts with five shutouts and 115 saves is impressive, anyone who saw her play knows she brought an intensity and a never say die attitude that will be hard to replace.
Off the field, Loyden has known her fair share of tragedy. In February of 2012, her sister Britton was killed as a result of domestic violence, leaving behind a two-year old son. Jill took several months off to be with family and grieve before finally returning to the field. She was rewarded with a spot on the USA Olympic roster as an alternate which she says helped ease some of the pain
“Especially with all that I’ve gone through the last few months, it really is a good feeling, and I get to experience this with my family — my second family.” In regards to Britton she said “I wake up every day, and obviously I miss my sister so much. I have hope she is in a better place. She will never hurt again or struggle anymore. Just that assurance that she is in a better place has brought so much peace.”
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In 2012 she founded the Jillian Loyden foundation, that will not only help victims of domestic violence, but also create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people by empowering them and help them find value in themselves. The foundation will continue to be a priority for her, but her main focus is on raising her four-year-old nephew, whom she seeks to take full custody of.
Losing such a key player will not be an easy task for Gabarra and Novo. Loyden made several crucial saves at critical moments and her ,vocal leadership on the field helped steady mental breakdowns in the Sky Blue defense. The most obvious choice for the number one slot would be Brittany Cameron, who recorded the first shutout in Sky Blue history in April of 2013. While not as seasoned as Loyden in terms of international competition, she does possess a good deal of professional experience, including player of the month award in May of 2013. A second option is recently signed Aubrey Bledsoe from the U.S. U-23 squad. As a former Wake Forest University standout, Bledsoe brings professional experience to the Sky Blue FC upon completion of a season with Idrettsklubben Grand Bodø of the Norwegian League.
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“During our scouting for last year’s college draft, we had Aubrey ranked really high at the goalkeeper position,” Sky Blue FC head coach Jim Gabarra said of Bledsoe. “At that time, we did not really have a need with both Jill (Loyden) and Britt (Cameron) coming back, and she ended up playing abroad in Europe for a year. Now with the retirement of Loyden, Bledsoe will have every opportunity to win the job. We were looking for someone to challenge for a number one spot and believe Aubrey fills that need.”
Gabarra added. Like Loyden, Bledsoe is both durable and very good with her feet which may give her an advantage over Cameron.
The team could also address the position in Friday’s NWSL draft. The Sky Bluehold the second overall spot, as well as, the first pick in the second round. One player who could and should be there for them is former South Carolina goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo.
D’Angelo was a two-time first team All-American and has amassed twenty-nine career shut outs, including ten in 2014. She had a 0.58 goals per game average and allowed only thirteen all year. Her marks of 29 shutouts and 241 saves rank second all-time for the Gamecocks.
Whichever way the team decides to go, the battle for the top spot will perhaps be the number one storyline going into camp. Both Cameron and Bledsoe will need to demonstrate not only the athleticism, but the intensity and leadership Loyden brought every game. As someone who has attended several Sky Blue games, I’ll miss her fire and competitive nature and wish her the best.
What do you think Sky Blu fans? Who should Loyden’s replacement be?
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Quotes courtesy NJ Sky Blue FC