Howell, New Jersey — Paige Monaghan is proud of her New Jersey roots. She’s a self-proclaimed “Jersey girl” and was elated when drafted by Sky Blue FC last year. Now, Monaghan has inked a deal with Sky Blue FC for two years to stay in her home state.
A native of Succasunna, New Jersey, Monaghan featured in 23 appearances for Sky Blue in her rookie season. Out of those appearances, 20 were starts for the Butler University alum. Her first career goal came against the Chicago Red Stars in August.
Meanwhile, Monaghan also scored a second goal in the match. The two goals were her lone tallies of 2019. The forward also provided one assist against Chicago, but this time during their July competition.
“I’m a Jersey girl through and through,” Monaghan said, via a press release. “I’m pumped to represent Sky Blue and play in front of the New Jersey and New York crowd. I want to compete for myself, my teammates, and my coaches in the best league in the world. We’ve got a lot to prove and I’m so excited for it!”
This season, Sky Blue FC will compete in matches at Red Bull Arena, as part of a deal with the New York Red Bulls. Sky Blue FC head coach Freya Coombe said she was thrilled that Monaghan wanted to return and ink a two-year deal.
“Her pace and appetite for goal causes so many problems for the opposition,” Coombe said. “I am excited to see her link up with our new signings in the attacking third and score more goals this season.”
Meanwhile, Alyse LaHue, Sky Blue’s general manager, said that the rookie is only scratching the surface of her potential. “As a New Jersey native that wants to fight for her hometown club, she’s someone we want to see wearing the badge for years to come,” LaHue said.
Raise your hands if you’re ready for the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ season at @RedBullArena! #SBFC pic.twitter.com/qfER5daV5g
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) February 1, 2020
Orlando Pride waives Haley Kopmeyer
Down south, the Orlando Pride are making a change in goal.
Haley Kopmeyer, who was primarily the backup to Ashlyn Harris, has been waived by the club. Kopmeyer joined the Pride from Reign FC, where she took over the starting job when Hope Solo announced her retirement. In 2019, Kopmeyer got more time with Orlando while Harris was at the World Cup.
Kopmeyer made 10 appearances and totaled 900 minutes for the Pride last season. She didn’t record any clean sheets, but did make 47 saves. Kopmeyer was in goal for one draw, against the Houston Dash, and nine losses. In 2018, Kopmeyer made three appearances for the Pride, recording one clean sheet against the Seattle Reign in a scoreless draw.
Last season, Kopmeyer did win the NWSL Save of the Week five separate times.
“On behalf of everyone at Orlando Pride, we would like to thank Haley for her contributions throughout her time in Orlando,” Erik Ustruck, Pride general manager, said. “Haley has given seven years of her life to growing women’s soccer and the NWSL. We respect her decision to explore new opportunities and we wish her the best of luck in her next chapter moving forward.”
Sights set on preseason. 😈 #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/Fw02fwNYpe
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) January 21, 2020
Mandy Laddish retires; Becca Moros waived by Utah
Mandy Laddish is calling it a career.
After missing time in the last few seasons to multiple injuries, Laddish made a big comeback in 2019. She appeared in 11 matches for the Royals in 2019, starting nine games. She scored one goal and recorded three assists in her 48 matches in the NWSL. Meanwhile, Laddish was also part of FC Kansas City’s championship-winning squads in 2014 and 2015.
“A career that ends due to injury is nothing short of heartbreaking,” Laddish said. “I am not the first, and I won’t be the last. It is the nature of our sport and it is the risk we take in hopes of achieving our dreams. Although it’s ending sooner than I’d like, my career was nothing short of extraordinary and I loved every minute of it.”
Laddish continued, saying her time with the Royals was a “fantastic experience.”
“I wouldn’t want to finish my career anywhere else, Laddish said. “You all were there with me as I fought my way back onto the field, you helped life me up, provided support and guidance, and served as a constant inspiration. Thank you!”
Meanwhile, also mentioned in the press release was that the Royals have waived veteran defender Rebecca Moros. She made 30 appearances with the Royals, coming also from the championship-winning FC Kansas City.
It’s time to start a new chapter! I’m so thankful for all the amazing opportunities soccer has given me in life, and all the amazing people I’ve met along the way 💛💙 https://t.co/VEbxAFIqiC
— Mandy Laddish (@MandyLaddish) February 3, 2020
