This week, Ashlyn Harris was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2016 season. Harris receives this award following her first season with the Orlando Pride, which was filled with ups and downs as the team attempted to find chemistry and strength in their inaugural year. Head Coach Tom Sermanni is thrilled with Harris’ award, and feels that no in the league deserved it more.
“I can’t remember her making an error,” Sermanni said. “I can’t remember her making an error of judgement, I can’t remember her making a technical error…. I honestly can’t remember her making an error. And then you magnify that by the fact that she made, in virtually every game that we played, at least one if not two or three match-winning saves. Saves that kept us in the game, kept us alive.”
Harris won NWSL’s Save of the Week eight times this season, despite missing half the year for the Rio Olympics. She had a 1.33 GAA (goals-against-average), matching her career best last season. She made 62 saves this year, keeping the Pride in some very crucial matchups. The award was voted on by league officials, players, and media, as well as fans.
“I’d have been very disappointed if she hadn’t won that award,” Sermanni continued. “I think she deserves it. On and off the field, she’s been a great ambassador for the team, a great competitor, focused, demands the best of everybody around her. So, well-deserved and delighted.
