Sky Blue FC Signs Defender Cassidy Benintente

Sky Blue FC (9-9-2, 29 points) announced today that the club has signed defender Cassidy Benintente, who was acquired via the discovery process.

“Cassidy has been with us since preseason, so she is very well assimilated into the group,” said David Hodgson, Sky Blue FC assistant coach, in a team press release. “All of our players trust her, which we feel is very important in order for us to maintain the improving chemistry of our team. Cassidy is capable of playing in several positions, and she is very familiar with our system and style of play. Her ability is what makes her deserving of this pro contract, but we must also commend her incredible resiliency to stick with the team since the beginning of preseason when there were no guarantees that we would arrive at this moment.”

The Jackson, N.J. native is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she played alongside Sky Blue FC defender Erica Skroski and midfielder Madison Tiernan. The trio were members of a Scarlet Knights side that reached the NCAA College Cup Final Four in 2015, the most successful season in program history. Benintente played a supporting role on the backline during her collegiate career, recording action in every match during her junior and senior seasons.

Prior to becoming a Scarlet Knight, Benintente played for Sky Blue FC Development Academy partner PDA under Rutgers coaches Mike O'Neill and Meghan Ryan on the PDA Charge Club team. Benintente also won a pair of Region I championships while representing New Jersey ODP.