Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Karen Bardsley looked wonderful when she was in goal yesterday during Marta XI’s team practice. She commanded her area well despite playing behind new defenders and made several reflex saves on low crosses. She also came up with a thundrous double save on Sonia Bompastor, somehow contorting her torso to block the rebound shot.

Minutes later she sauntered off nursing her shoulder, appearing considerably concered. It turned out to be a symbolic sight for the goalkeeper who has had an outstanding season up to this point. Fantastic start, awful finish.

It looks to be over now, as Jeff Kassouf reports that Bardsley will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken collarbone. That essentially amounts to the rest of 2010 season.

Karen Bardsley has been one of WPS’ brightest breakouts this season. The Cal State Fullerton alum started only a handful of games for Sky Blue FC last season before being sidelined due to back spasms. Jenni Branam stepped in and guided the team to the inaugural WPS Championship a few months later.

It appeared as if Branam was still the preferred #1 but she broke her leg in a friendly against a boy’s team just weeks before the start of the 2010 season. (Weird how Sky Blue’s #1′s only get injured in meaningless games).

Karen Bardsley got the call-up and performed admirably in goal. She currently leads the league in both least goals conceded and in most shut-outs as she earned her fifth in a 2-0 victory against FC Gold Pride last weekend.

She has also been a consistent barrier in a Sky Blue FC defense that can be a little shifty sometimes. The back four has been a revolving door as there seems to be a new face back there nearly every match.

Who’s to say where Sky Blue FC would be in the standings were in not for the myriad of game-saving goals Bardsley has made.

But beyond performance on the field, it’s particularly disheartening for the league to lose such a unique personality. Bardsley’s well-natured, witty and smart sense of humor has been widely embraced by fans, fellow players and even league officials. She is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic and well-liked figures in WPS.

And judging plainly by the short time she’s been in Atlanta, she seemed genuinely thrilled to be here. When her name was called first in the All-Star Pick ‘Em Event her reaction was classic Bardsley: ridiculous but totally endearing. She enthusiastically bounced up and down, whooping and hollering.

Her initial reaction to the injury was telling as well. Her spirit was clearly deflated as she sat out and tended to the bag of ice on her shoulder. Perhaps she was mulling over the severity of the injury and what kind of effect it would have on her season. She seemed introspective and stern.

And you know it’s bad when KB is unable to put a light perspective on things.

View Original Post at allwhitekit.wordpress.com

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