Former USWNT goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris announces retirement

Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris announced her retirement from professional football on Monday, capping her 13-year career. 

Harris first kicked off in 2009, signing for the Pali Blues in the W-League before going on to feature for several NWSL teams, Sweden’s Tyresö FF and Frauen-Bundesliga side FCR 2001 Duisburg. 

Her successful club career quickly propelled her to the international stage, earning her first call up by the US women’s national team in 2009. She went on to become an integral part of the American side, featuring in the World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2019. 

"It has been my greatest honor to represent this country both on and off the field. I started this journey with the 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,” Harris said.

"To all my teammates, you have been the driving force to my longevity. 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."

Harris made her last international appearance in 2020, during a Concacaf Olympic qualifying match against Haiti. Though the goalkeeper saw her last season in the NWSL halted by an injury, she managed eight appearances for Gotham FC. 

She will now transition into her off-field role of global creative advisor for Gotham FC. 

“We are thrilled that Ashlyn will be joining us in this new role at Gotham FC,” said Jonna Valente, the team’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “She brings a unique perspective that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the club from a brand perspective. We are excited to collaborate with Ashlyn to drive Gotham FC forward.”