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Sky Blue FC announced early Friday morning that forward Leah Galton had signed with FC Bayern Munich of the Frauen-Bundesliga. The English-international striker signed an 18-month contract with the German club that runs through 2019.
“Sky Blue FC has been not only my team, but also my family for the past two seasons. The decision to leave was by far the hardest I have had to make in my career to date,” Galton said in the team’s official statement. “I wish the girls all the best this season and look forward to watching Sky Blue FC challenge for the playoffs.”
In a self-penned column for Europe-based Women’s Soccer Zone, Galton said that following her injury-riddled sophomore campaign with Sky Blue, the timing to leave just felt right. She was attracted to Bayern Munich because of the challenge it presented her, as well as the “world-class facilities” the team had to offer.
After being taken as the No. 13 overall draft pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, Galton made 16 starts over 30 appearances for Sky Blue in her two seasons with the club. After her professional debut was delayed until she graduated from Hofstra University per visa requirements, the striker saw the field for the first time in a Sky Blue kit in their 5-2 road loss to the Western New York Flash, scoring her first professional goal in her debut.
Over two seasons in New Jersey, she recorded five goals and five assists. When healthy, her speed on the flanks made her a serious attacking threat for the club. However, both seasons were hampered by lingering injuries that prevented her from ever reaching her full potential within the NWSL.
“First and foremost, we want to thank Leah for everything she has done for our club over the past two seasons,” Tony Novo, Sky Blue FC President and General Manager, said in the team’s statement. “We will truly miss Leah, both on and off the field. On behalf of everyone here at Sky Blue FC, we want to wish her all the best in Germany, and we will definitely be her biggest fans from afar.”