Karen Bardsley
Born: 14/10/84 – Santa Monica, California, USA
Club: Manchester City
Position: Goalkeeper
Former Clubs: Ajax America, Pali Blues, Sky Blues, Linkopings, and Lincoln Ladies (Now Notts County).
Despite being born in California, Bardsley chose to play for England through family connections in Stockport. After making her way through the American leagues, Bardsley joined Linkopings in Sweden where she was second choice for most of the 2011 season, and eventually left in 2012 when she joined Lincoln Ladies. She played in all 14 of Lincoln’s FAWSL games in the 2013 season, before joining Manchester City in 2014. She has become a stalwart at the Academy Stadium, but her 2015 season was marred by a three-match ban for violent conduct during a game with Birmingham City.
Bardsley has been at her best whilst playing for her nation. She was first choice keeper for the Lionesses in both the 2011 and 2015 Women’s World Cup, as well as the 2013 European Championships. It was her crucial saves in the 2015 World Cup in Canada that helped England reach the Semi-Final stage, but she conceded a late own goal to a devastated Laura Bassett. In the Third Place Play Off against Germany, Bardsley made a number of stops to help England win the bronze medal. In the second half of the quarter final against Canada, Siobhan Chamberlain replaced Bardsley due to an infected eye.
Bardsley also had the honour of representing Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
