England's ReleaseFULLERTON, Calif. – Former Cal State Fullerton women's soccer goalkeeper Karen Bardsley was named to England's 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup squad, it was announced by the team's head coach Mark Sampson today.
Bardsley was also on England's World Cup team in 2011 and named to the Olympic squad (Great Britain) in 2012. This year's World Cup will take place in Canada.
In addition, in October of 2014, Bardsley (2002-06) helped Manchester City of the English FA WSL to its first Continental Cup victory in the club's 26-year history with a 1-0 shutout of Arsenal.
At Cal State Fullerton, Bardsley was a four-time Big West Conference honoree, and she was named the league's Goalkeeper of the Year in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
She holds Titan career records for saves (312), save percentage (.839), goals against average (0.84), goalkeeper victories (47) and shutouts (26).
The Chino Hills, Calif., native helped the Titans to a third round NCAA appearance in 2005 as the most successful team in program history ended the year with a 19-4 record in a 2-1 loss at Virginia. During the 2005 season, the Titans put together a program-best 11-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 27-5 and totaling seven shutouts during that stretch.
During that record-breaking 2005 campaign, Bardsley was part of a defense that set program records for fewest goals allowed (15), fewest shots allowed (161) and most shutouts (12).
In 2006, the Titans returned to the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the second round.
The Titans won two Big West regular season championships (2004, 2005) during Bardsley's tenure, as well as, two Big West Tournament titles (2005, 2006).
England has been drawn in Group F and opens up against France in Moncton on Tuesday, June 9. They take on Mexico in the same city on Saturday, June 13, before their last group match against Colombia in Montreal on Wednesday, June 17.
The World Cup Final takes place in Vancouver on Sunday, July 5.
