Sydney FC have signed Orlando Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe for the remainder of the Westfield W-League 2017/18 season.
An emerging talent in goal, Bledsoe was the 10th overall pick in the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion draft, and has made 12 appearances in the competition. An injury suffered by Orlando Pride’s captain Ashlyn Harris in the 2017 NWSL Season gave Bledsoe the chance of an extended run of games between the posts and she impressed hugely with her quick reflexes, outstanding communicative skills, and assured shot-stopping.
The 26 year old said she was excited to be joining the Sky Blues and competing in the Westfield W-League.
“It’s really exciting to be joining Sydney FC and getting the chance to play in Australia,” she said.
“I’ve heard great things about the competition from my Australian team mates at Orlando, and I know Sydney FC are one of the most successful teams in the competition.
“I hope to bring my own experiences to the club and help in any way I can, and with a strong finish to the second half of the season I know Sydney FC can reach the playoffs.
“I can’t wait to meet all the girls, get to work here in Sydney and show all the Sky Blue fans what I can do.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Ante Juric said Aubrey would prove a quality signing for the Sky Blues for the remainder of the season.
“Aubrey is a fantastic acquisition to the club,” he said.
“She is a quality goalkeeper, I have known about her for a while now and its great we have been able to make this signing happen.
“I have been in contact with her Orlando coach Tom Sermani and he holds her in high esteem, which is high praise indeed.
“What she brings to the goalkeeping ranks, is her obvious ability, though more importantly for the team is competition for places. Throughout the team we have players fighting for places for all positions. Now that is the case for the goalkeepers, where we will have 3 solid keepers vying for a starting place.
“This type of competition for places makes the team stronger and players will continue to improve accordingly.
“We are beginning to be the team we know we can be and the signing of Aubrey is another piece to the puzzle, things are starting to fall into place.
“The hard work by the girls over the past months and players now getting to know each other and getting to know the teams new style of play and system are becoming evident on game day. I’m excited to see Aubrey in the team’s colours and to see what she can bring to the club.”
On three occasions her stops were recognised as NWSL Saves of the Week, these being weeks nine, twelve, and thirteen respectively. The fact that the injured Harris, a United States Women’s National Team regular, was not a noticeable absence for the Pride is an undeniable testament to Bledsoe’s presence in goal.
Bledsoe has made appearances for the U18 United State’s National Women’s Team as well as training and attending tournaments with the U23 side.
Sydney FC’s next Westfield W-League fixture is on Saturday 2nd December at Manly’s Cromer Park, kicking off at 4 PM AEST.
Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League 2017/18 Squad:
Sham Khamis
Sheridan Rainey
Aubrey Bledsoe
Rachael Soutar
Teigen Allen
Caitlin Cooper
Elizabeth Ralston
Teresa Polias
Remy Siemsen
Georgia Yeoman-Dale
Leena Khamis
Princess Ibini
Amy Harrison
Angelique Hristodoulou
Lisa De Vanna
Kylie Ledbrook
Chloe Logarzo
Emma Rolston
Julia Vignes
Taylor Ray
Ally Green
Emily Sonnett
2017/18 Westfield W-League Sydney FC Memberships available NOW. Become a Sky Blue Member today – CLICK HERE
