Last weekend, starting goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris exited the game against the Seattle Reign due to an injury. With Aubrey Bledsoe, Harris’ backup, out with a concussion, Caroline Stanley came into the match.
Stanley was signed as a temporary replacement for Bledsoe. But the diagnoses is in and Harris will be out eight weeks with a quad injury. The future for Stanley is uncertain, as is the question of who will start in Harris’ place. But the backline is confident in each of their goalkeeper’s capabilities.
“Ash’s shoes are pretty big to fill,” Alanna Kennedy said. “But we’ve got depth with both of them. And Caroline [Stanley] did a great job coming into the game on the weekend. I’m sure that Aubrey [Bledsoe] can do the same.”
Bledsoe served as the backup for Harris last season, but missed most of the season due to an injury. She played in one match before her injury, and Kaitlyn Savage had to step in at the goalkeeper position.
“Sometimes, it’s hard as a goalkeeper not knowing when you’re coming into the game,” Kennedy said. “Aubrey, every single session she is here and she is ready for her opportunity. I’m sure she’ll be ready on the weekend, and Caroline if it is her as well. I think it’s just our job to make sure they feel confident.”
A strong backline can do a lot for a goalkeeper’s confidence. With Ali Krieger serving as one of the defensive leaders, the team will look to make the goalkeeper’s job as easy as possible.
“I’m sure it will be fine,” Kennedy said. “The five of us can stick together.”
