San Diego Wave Sign Goalkeeper Carly Telford from Chelsea
Credit: SD Wave
Another day, another San Diego Wave signing. They just don’t stop coming.
On the morning of Monday the 24, the San Diego Wave officially announced the signing of the highly touted goalkeeper, Carly Telford, from Chelsea FC.
The 34-year-old joins the Wave after making 76 appearances across two spells for Chelsea, the first from 2011 to 2013 and the second beginning in 2017.
After rejoining Chelsea in 2017, Telford made 27 appearances in her five seasons with the Blues and had an outstanding record of 17 clean sheets throughout.
Telford also brings with her something that the Wave has yet to have the opportunity to get its hands on, silverware. The Blues trophy haul whilst Telford was at the club includes four Women’s Super League titles, two FA Cups, and two League Cups.
“Carly has been a fantastic servant to the club across two different spells. A big character in the dressing room and a hugely valued member of our squad,” Chelsea coach Emma Hayes said to Chelsea’s official website. “We didn’t want to lose her, but we could not hold her back from taking this fantastic opportunity in the States.”
Telford also brings with her plenty of international experience. She was included in England’s squad for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 but didn’t play as she couldn’t manage to take the spot of US-born goalkeeper Karen Bardsley on England’s first team. Telford finally got her first minutes at a major tournament on June 14, 2019, starting in England’s second group game at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Argentina and recording a clean sheet as the three lions won 1-0.
“I am very pleased with the signing of Carly Telford,” said Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney in a statement. “I know Carly well and know exactly what she will bring both on the pitch and in our environment. She is a talented, experienced international that will add real strength to our goalkeeping unit. I am looking forward to working with Carly to see what we can achieve together.”
Although we don’t know whether Telford will immediately get the No. 1 spot over the Wave’s current keeper Kailen Sheridan, what we do know is that she’ll definitely work her hardest to compete for the spot as the Wave prepares for their inaugural season in the NWSL.
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But even if Telford doesn’t get the starting spot, I’m sure she’ll have a massive impact on the entire team as she is a massive character in the dressing room. Her many years of experience will be vital in encouraging the many young players on this Wave roster.
The Wave is set to begin its inaugural season with the Challenger Cup on Saturday, March 19. Until then, keep your seatbelts on because we’re in for a long ride with plenty more signings coming the Wave’s way.
Morgan Prickett is currently studying Journalism at San Diego State and is on pace to graduate in 2023. He was born in Libreville, Gabon and lived in Pretoria, South Africa for 7 years until he moved to the Bay Area. He’s a massive soccer and basketball fan; mainly supporting Arsenal of the English Premier League and any team Chris Paul is on. He’s also an avid supporter of all sports teams in San Diego and loves watching all San Diego State sports.