West Ham United have signed American 23-year-old goalkeeper Cara Connatser, who has played at the highest level of university soccer in the States.
“I’m super pumped to be at West Ham United,” Connatser told whufc.com. “I have been itching to get on the field since I started training here. Since that first session, I’ve been asking to play and now I’m going to get that chance, which is awesome.”
Connatser continued: “When people think of goalkeepers, their minds go to the use of hands or punching the ball. For me, saving the ball is only 30 per cent of goalkeeping; I try to save 70 per cent of shots with my communication.
“Honestly, the defenders might get annoyed with me, with how much I shout and talk! I try to find the perfect amount. I don’t want to overdo it, so they end up tuning me out, but I do want to be a vocal presence so they know I am there to help them.
General manager and interim head coach Karen Ray is expecting big things of the shot-stopper.
Ray said: “Cara is not only a fantastic goalkeeper, but a great character. She brings great experience, having played at the highest level of University soccer in America, and we hope that at West Ham United we can provide Cara with the type of environment that will see her strive to solidify her spot.”
