A good goalkeeper is essential to any soccer team. While it is certainly true that the entire team needs to be working to prevent as many shots on goal as possible, in those moments when shots do get through, it is integral to have a player that can make difficult plays and keep her team in the game. For the Orlando Pride, that goalkeeper is Ashlyn Harris.
The Orlando Pride would be hard pressed to find a better goalkeeper than Harris. Despite a schedule disrupted by the 2016 Rio Olympics, Harris started fifteen of Orlando Pride’s twenty games this season. With an average save percentage of 76%, Harris’ blocks have kept the Pride in many of their matches. She also won the NWSL Save of the Week an astounding eight times throughout the season.
Beyond her skills between the posts, Harris is a leader on the pitch. For a team full of young players and rookies, players like Harris are crucial to helping push the club through the unknown. Such a leader becomes even more crucial to a club in their inaugural season. Harris stepped up as one of those leaders, especially when it came to the defensive side of play.
But Harris is just as great off the field. She believes in spending time with her fans and giving back to the community that supports her. Harris was born and raised in Satellite Beach, and she treats playing so close to home as a privilege. The fans are passionate in their support-- and fun. Photos after the game will inevitably include Harris and her fans decked out in shark gear, with the banners from the wall in the background.
Without a doubt, Harris represents her club and her city well. On the field, she provides strong leadership and tremendous effort-- off the field, she takes the time to speak with her fans and connect with the city of Orlando as much as she can. She’s not just a star goalkeeper, but also a stellar representative of both this club and the city of Orlando.
