Washington Spirit Reserves News Release - www.washingtonspirit.com
Friday, May 2, 2014
BOYDS, Md. – On the eve of their final open tryouts, the Washington Spirit Reserves announced the re-signing of midfielder Kelsey Pardue and defender Jennifer Skogerboe to the 2014 W-League roster. With more than six years combined of USL experience between them, Pardue and Skogerboe bring high leadership expectations and solid consistency to the Reserves lineup for the summer.
In addition to starting for the Spirit Reserves last year, Skogerboe served as outside back for D.C. United Women in 2012. Prior to the 2013 season in Washington, Pardue suited up with the Fredericksburg Impact for two years following a youth stint with the Richmond Kickers.
Hailing from Henrico, Virginia, Pardue garnered numerous collegiate accolades during her four-year span at Longwood University. The dynamic playmaker started all 78 of her career matches with the Lancers, scoring 24 goals and earning 22 assists. Pardue ended her final season at Longwood in exceptional fashion, earning Big South Conference Championship All-Tournament Team and Virginia SID All-State Team honors.
A mainstay on the Huskies backline, Skogerboe helped the McLean Dragons nab two State Cup titles before heading to the University of Connecticut. The unyielding defender appeared in 70 games at UConn while also managing to score seven goals during her collegiate career. Skogerboe grabbed early recognition nationally as a member of the Region 1 Olympic Development Team from 2006 to 2009.
Skogerboe and Pardue both spent their spring in the NWSL professional Spirit training camp before returning to finish school.
“Kelsey and Jennifer were very important players during last season and we know they will be key players and leaders this year,” NWSL Spirit Head Coach Mark Parsons said.
“Jennifer is a very technical and intelligent player who can play anywhere you ask her. It is very important to have her creativity in any team,” Parsons continued. “Kelsey is a tenacious midfielder that will provide great ability going forward while offering superb balance and organization defensively.
“Both players did very well in pre season with the pro team and if they continue their progress, we expect to see both make appearances in the NWSL this season."
The Washington Spirit Reserves face a challenging schedule of opponents in the Northeast Conference for the season, which include historic playoff contenders the Long Island Rough Riders and W-League veterans the New York Magic.
The Spirit Reserves kick off their season Saturday, May 17 against the Braddock Road Stars Elite at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Match time is currently slated for 3 p.m. and is the first match of a special doubleheader with the Washington Spirit professional side. The Spirit take on Abby Wambach and the Western New York Flash at 6:30 p.m.