Washington Spirit Reserves News Release - www.washingtonspirit.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
BOYDS, Md. – Following a 10-day stint in the NWSL with the professional Washington Spirit side, Spirit Reserves teammates Kelsey Pardue and Jennifer Skogerboe return to the W-League squad Wednesday with additional career experience. Highlighting the W-League team as the direct path to the pros, the prolific duo both saw action in full professional matches during their call-up to the Washington Spirit.
With 10 minutes remaining in last Wednesday’s match at the Boston Breakers, Longwood University graduate Pardue was sent in to replace US National Team veteran Lori Lindsey in the Spirit midfield. Pardue’s tenaciousness and speed had impressed Head Coach Mark Parsons in training camp, and his decision to send her in was not a hard one.
Four days later, former University of Connecticut defender Skogerboe got her chance as the Spirit traveled to Portland to face off against the talented Thorns side. Skogerboe entered in the 75th minute to replace forward Renae Cuellar and was slotted back into a defensive role to allow the Spirit to push other midfielders forward in hopes of an equalizer.
“I think it speaks very highly of the W-League itself that our teams can provide match-fit players on a moment’s notice to fill in at the professional level,” Spirit Reserves General Manager Tim Schweitzer said. “Certainly Kelsey and Jen earned this opportunity themselves, but the USL continually provides the platform for these players to make this jump instantaneously.”
“We are excited to have them back, but more importantly Mark knows he has top-notch players readily available to step up as needed,” Schweitzer concluded.
Pardue, Skogerboe, and the rest of the Spirit Reserves return home Wednesday to face local rival Braddock Road Stars Elite. The match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Howison Soccer Complex in Woodbridge, Virginia.
The action continues on June 21 for a rematch against the New York Magic. Match time is set for 3 p.m. at the Maryland SoccerPlex and is the first in a special doubleheader. The NWSL Washington Spirit face the Portland Thorns in the second match of the evening.