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June 29, 2010
DÉJÀ VU
Ex Wildcat Loyden backing up former teammate Solo at WPS All-Star Game
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Jillian Loyden will represent the Red Stars on the Abby XI WPS All-Star Team.
Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images |
ATLANTA, Ga---Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Jillian Loyden is finding herself in a familiar place these days, backing up Hope Solo. But the circumstances are certainly different than they were last year, when Loyden was the second string ‘keeper for Saint Louis Athletica.
Loyden has started every game in net for Chicago, and will back up Solo in the league All-Star game at KSU Stadium outside Atlanta on Wednesday. She also was called by coach Pia Sundhage into national team duty earlier this week, putting her behind Solo on the U.S. depth chart.
"I think it was the best environment possible to learn, grow and develop as a goalkeeper," Loyden said of her time in Saint Louis, where she started three games in Solo’s absence. "It helped me transition a bit better having that experience under my belt, although I think I am still adjusting and still have a lot of work to do."
During one of her infrequent starts, Loyden caught the eye of former Red Stars coach Emma Hayes, who engineered an off-season trade to acquire the Vineland, NJ native.
Loyden will be part of the Abby XI for the All-Star game. If all-star tradition holds to form, she probably will play the second half in goal after Solo gets the start.
"I was definitely shocked and surprised," Loyden said of her inclusion. "There are so many talented players in this league, and to be chosen is an honor. It should be a lot of fun to play with my Red Stars teammates and my teammates of the past."
Loyden was a four-year starter at Villanova, where she was named Big East goalkeeper of the year three times and was the Philly Soccer News Women’s College Player of the Year in 2007.
She had a successful offseason, posting a 7-2-1 record and three shutouts to earn Australia Westfield W-League Goalkeeper of the Year honors when she was on loan with the Central Coast Mariners.
"Going to Australia was pretty important for me," Loyden said. "Just getting back into the rotation, playing a game each week, seeing live games, and being able to learn from different game situations, was so important for me. It was a great experience, and I had so much fun playing, too."
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