Ashlyn Harris is headed back to the Washington Spirit. (Photo Copyright Amanda McCormick | www.amandamccormick8.com)
Ashlyn Harris won’t be finishing out the UEFA Champions League campaign with Tyresö.
The U.S. goalkeeper announced via her Instagram page that she is leaving the Swedish club, which qualified for Europe’s quarterfinals, to return to her NWSL club, the Washington Spirit. She was playing on loan with Tyresö.
The move comes in the wake of news that fellow Americans Christen Press, Meghan Klingenberg and Whitney Engen will stay with Tyresö until the end of the team’s Champions League run, whenever that may come. The trio will return to play in the NWSL — for yet undetermined teams — by June, at the latest. It is unclear whether or not U.S. defender and Washington Spirit defender Ali Krieger will stay in Sweden for the spring or return to the D.C. area.
Harris recently had minor knee surgery that kept her out of the United States’ December training camp, though she is expected to be recovered near the end of January.
Here’s the full statement from Harris:
Yes it is true. I’m sad to say I won’t be continuing with Tyresö and I will be staying in the NWSL this upcoming season. This decision has not been easy for me and it’s heavy on my heart I won’t continue this journey in champions league with such a wonderful group of people. It is important for me to thank all of my fans for the continued support, but most of all Tyresö for such a great opportunity. It was an honor to play for you and some of the best players in the world. To my teammates, you will always be my Queens. I love you to death. You can win this thing… I BELIEVE IN YOU ALL! #TyresoFF #CL”
Tyresö have already signed Finland goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela on a two-year deal, and she should get time immediately.
Tyresö face Austria’s SV Neulengbach in the quarterfinals and would play either Arsenal or Birmingham in the semifinals if they advance.
