After missing 11 games with a right quadricep injury, Pride goalkeeper and leader Ashlyn Harris is healthy and available for selection this Saturday against Sky Blue FC.
“It’s been a long process, it’s been a long road to recovery, it’s been 10 hour days some days, and now I’m just trying to focus these next few days on the task,” Harris said on Thursday morning at Pride training. “It’s a pressure situation to come into because right now we can’t afford to drop points. But I love the confidence the coaches have in me; I just gotta stick to the things I’m good at. The simple things: and that’s bringing my leadership role and bringing my communication qualities and making sure we’re organized, making sure the team hears me and feels comfortable and confident.”
Harris re-entering the lineup will provide a massive boost for the Pride. She is among the best in the business in the traditional goalkeeping sense (i.e. shot stopping, aerial prowess), but the intangibles she brings to the field are impossible to replace. The way she communicates to her defense and organizes the team in front of her are qualities in Harris’s game that separate her from the pack.
The Pride and USWNT goalkeeper has missed significant time this season. Harris -- who has endured a demanding physical therapy and recovery routine -- now finds herself in a promising position to finish out the season in between the sticks for Orlando.
“I’m going to have build my way back up to the top of my game,” Harris said. “I’m not expecting to all of a sudden snap my fingers and be where I need to be. It’s going to be a process for me but I’m excited for the challenge.”
When asked about the added pressure of the Pride’s current position in the NWSL standings, Harris had this to say:
“I put enough pressure on myself. That’s what fuels the fire every morning I wake up, so I’m just focusing on the simple things. I’m trying to relax; been doing a lot of imagery, mental preparation and putting myself through game scenarios because I haven’t played a game in a long time.”
In Harris’ absence, Aubrey Bledsoe stepped up and performed at a high level for the Pride. Harris spoke about Bledsoe’s successes as the Pride starter, he role with the team, and more during her interview at training:
“I thought Aubrey Bledsoe was fantastic. I think sometimes goalkeepers jump into scenarios they’re not ready for and they were not successful. Aubrey has been able to be under my wing the last few years and now that she’s gotten the opportunity to shine, she’s done well. Because she was prepared and she was ready for that opportunity.”
Harris always carries an air of confidence both in herself and in her teammates. She now returns in the knick of time -- just as the Pride are queuing a run toward the NWSL playoffs.
