Hamden's Jami Kranich Signs as Boston Breakers Goalie

Hamden native Jami Kranich has signed with the Boston Breakers for the 2014 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season, the team has announced.

Per team and league policies, terms of the contract with the  former Villanova and U.S. U-20 goalkeeper were not disclosed.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play professional soccer, and I am very excited it's with the Boston Breakers," Kranich said in a statement released by the team. "I am honored to have the opportunity to wear the Breakers logo and to be part of such a great organization with such a great coaching staff. I'm thrilled to work with players I've admired and watched over the years, and I am especially grateful for this opportunity to learn and play with some of the best players in the league."

The 21-year-old Kranich was selected in the fourth round (No. 32 overall) in the 2014 NWSL College Draft in January.

At Villanova, Kranich finished with a career 12 shutouts and a 1.59 goals against-average. She was a 2012 Third Team All-BIG EAST selection. In four seasons, Kranich started 64 games, finished with 269 saves for a .725 save percentage, a 1.59 goals-against-average, and 12 shutouts.

Kranich also was a member of the 2012 U.S. U-20 FIFA Women's World Cup championship team. She was the first Villanova player to participate in a World Cup event while an undergraduate.

“Jami shows great promise,” Breakers head coach Tom Durkin said. “It’s hard for a lot of the drafted players to get to match fitness after such a long layoff, but I expect her to be a very capable deputy to Alyssa Naeher.”

The Boston Breakers open the 2014 NWSL season on April 13, traveling to the Pacific Northwest to take on Seattle Reign FC. They return home Sunday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. ET for their home opener, taking on the Houston Dash. 

To purchase group, season, and single-game tickets, visit www.breakerstickets.com or call 617-945-1704.