Ashlyn Harris’ Journey to Become the Best NWSL Goalkeeper
Ashlyn Harris is the heart and soul of the Orlando Pride. The Florida native is the captain for her home state club in purple and has been a fan favorite since joining the club. But she’s not only a fan favorite in Orlando; she’s one all over the country. Here’s a look at her soccer career so far and how she’s been building up to her spectacular form for the Pride this season.
College
Ashlyn Harris attended the University of North Carolina from 2005-2009. UNC has a famously elite soccer program. She played in 77 games for the Tar Heels and finished her time in Carolina with 0.574 goals-against average and 109 career saves. Harris also led UNC to two NCAA Championships.
National Team
After college and playing professionally, Ashlyn Harris made her debut for the USWNT in 2013 and spent seven years representing the United States. In her time with the U.S., she appeared in 18 matches and had seven clean sheets. While most of her time on the USWNT has been spent as the backup keeper, she was an important part of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup-winning team. She was also an alternate at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
For now, it looks like Harris is on the outside looking in and not in coach Vlatko Andonovski’s plans. But if her NWSL form factors in, then she still could find herself in camp soon.
Club
Harris has been playing professionally since 2010, when she was drafted in the WPS Draft. She played her first professional season with Washington Freedom. She earned WPS Goalkeeper of the Year honors with Western New York in 2011.
In 2012 when the NWSL started, she was allocated to the Washington Spirit, a club she spent three seasons with. Between 2012 and 2013, the goalkeeper spent time in Germany and Sweden playing abroad.
She came to the Orlando Pride via the second pick in the 2015 Expansion Draft. So far, she’s tallied 77 appearances in goal for the Pride, making her the all-time appearance leader. In 2016 she was named to the NWSL Best XI and was the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year after a terrific season. She’s been a constant on a team that has seen a lot of turnover in recent years.
2021 Season
Harris has been playing lights out for Orlando this season, so much so that she might be having her best season as a professional. She’s a massive reason why Orlando found so much success this season and is currently fourth in the NWSL standings.
On the season, she has a 73.7% save success rate with 53 saves. She’s also got three penalty kick saves and three clean sheets on the season. She’s the spine of a strengthened Pride defense, and if she continues to play at such a high level, it could lead Orlando back to the playoffs.
In the 69th minute of the August 28 contest against NJ/NY Gotham FC, Harris recorded her 469th career save making her the all-time league leader in saves. Harris has always been a world-class goalkeeper, but this season for her has been over-the-top incredible. She’s been in excellent form, and it’ll be exciting to see what she continues to do.
Featured image via @ORLPride on Twitter
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