Legendary goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, who helped the U.S. Women’s national team to two World Cup titles, has announced her retirement from professional football.
Harris, 37, has been a prominent figure in the National Women’s Soccer League since its inception in 2012, and has earned 25 senior caps for her country. She first made her mark on the international stage in 2002, at the age of 16, when she registered a host of clean sheets to ensure the U.S. won the U-19 Women's World Championship
She also captained her side at the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Cup in Thailand, playing every minute in goal as the U.S. team finished in third place. Her standout performances in second U.S. women’s pro league, the WPS, helped the Western New York Flash to win the league title in 2011 and prompted the arrival of her first senior international call-up.
She consolidated her place in the annals of football history as a member of both the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup winning squads. Her final match for the USWNT was on January 31, 2020, in an 8-0 win over Panama in Olympic qualifying in Texas.
Reflecting on her impressive football career, Harris told ussoccer.com : “It has been my greatest honour to represent this country both on and off the field. I started this journey with U.S. Soccer at the age of 13 and it has shaped me in every part of my life.
"I’m proud of the woman I’ve become, and I can only thank the people who have supported me and lifted me throughout it all. Thank you to all my youth National Team coaches, full National Team coaches, goalkeeper coaches, support staff, and everyone in between."
“To all my teammates, you have been the driving force to my longevity," Harris added. "This journey has always been about the people for me, so thank you for all the incredible memories and life-long friendships.
"To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope in some small way I’ve impacted your lives the way you all have impacted mine.”
During her illustrious club career, Harris played for a host of clubs including Washington Spirit,Orlando Pride and NY/NJ Gotham FC in the NWSL. The 37-year-old also made a huge impact off the pitch, working alongside her wife and fellow World Cup winner, Ali Krieger, to champion equality and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
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