Ahead of this weekend’s match against Seattle Reign FC, Orlando Pride has signed midfielder Abby Elinsky and goalkeeper Sarah Shimer as National Team Replacement Players.
Elinksy previously served as a replacement player during the month of April. The young midfielder was on the roster for three matches and made appearances in two, totaling 32 minutes. Prior to joining Orlando, Elinsky, 22, was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NWSL College Draft by the Houston Dash. In college, Elinsky made 59 appearances for the University of North Carolina, where she scored three goals in three years. Elinsky spent her freshman year at the University of Illinois where she appeared in all 20 matches and was selected to the All-Big Ten Freshman team.
This will mark the first professional opportunity for Shimer, who has been with the Pride since the preseason. Shimer was drafted in the final round of 2018 NWSL College Draft by the Houston Dash before joining Orlando. During her college years, Shimer played in 38 matches for the University of Washington and set the Huskies’ single-season record with 11 shutouts during her senior campaign.
National Team Replacement Players can be signed when a National Team Player is away on international duty. They do not count against the team’s 20-player roster limit. Currently, Orlando’s Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris are on duty with the U.S. Women’s National Team. They are expected to return to the Pride for Orlando’s June 16 match against Sky Blue FC.
Abby Elinsky (EL-lin-ski)
Position: Midfield
Number: 20
Height: 5-8
Born: January 8, 1996 in West Chester, Penn.
Hometown: Rocky River, Ohio
College: University of North Carolina
Citizenship: USA
Sarah Shimer (shim-mer)
Position: Goalkeeper
Number: 18
Height: 5-7
Born: November 12, 1994 in Seattle, Wash.
Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.
College: University of Washington
Citizenship: USA
