(Photo by Victor Tan / New Day Review)
Orlando Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe saw her first significant minutes as a pro in the 2017 season, and, now, that exposure is paying off. According to a team press release from Nov. 27, Bledsoe has been loaned to Australian side Sydney FC of the Westfield W-League. Bledsoe is one of six Pride players overseas; defender Monica Hickmann Alves plays in Spain, and Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Rachel Hill and Toni Pressley also play in the W-League.
“Aubrey had a fantastic season for us this year, and we’re excited for her to continue her development in Australia,” Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said, per the release. “This si a great opportunity for her to get some more playing time. I have no doubt Aubrey will go in and be a wonderful asset for Sydney FC.”
In 2017, Bledsoe started 11 matches, compiling a 5-4-2 record with 35 saves and a 1.4 goals-against average. While replacing injured perennial starter Ashlyn Harris, Bledsoe recorded two clean sheets and earned Week 12 National Women’s Soccer League Save of the Week honors. The Pride awarded her the team’s 2017 Comeback Player of the Year Award after she sustained a season-ending injury midway through the 2016 season.
Per the Pride, Bledsoe will return to the United States in time for the start of the 2018 NWSL season.
Bledsoe and Sydney play on Dec. 2 against Melbourne Victory FC at midnight EST.
For more on the Pride, as they play overseas and prepare for the 2018 NWSL season, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
