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From open tryouts to starting lineup: Erin Simon's home-team dream comes true

Related Topics: Starting lineup

The New Jersey native recalls her unusual journey onto the Sky Blue FC starting XI

When Erin Simon went to Sky Blue FC’s open tryouts in March 2016, she had low expectations.

The self-described "small-town Jersey girl" just hoped to get noticed, to stand out from the 50 or so competing for an invitation to the team’s preseason camp.

An invitation to camp did not seem an unreasonable goal. Simon had already competed in Orlando Pride’s open tryouts and earned an invitation to their camp, but the allure of playing for her home team was too strong for the Oakhurst, New Jersey native to pass up.