Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Bledsoe ink new deals with Spirit
Declan Vargas
Washingtonspirit.com
Boyds, Md., (1/9/20)– The Washington Spirit have re-signed goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe and midfielder Andi Sullivan. Per club and league policy, the terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Spirit Head Coach Richie Burke had this to say on the contract renewals: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have re-signed two players whom I regard as veritable stars of the NWSL and players that the USWNT will be looking to incorporate into plans moving forward.”
Burke continued, “Both are incredible leaders on and off the field for our club. I’m looking forward to pushing them next year to achieve more accolades, personally and for our team. It’s a very happy day for the Spirit, getting these two superstars over the line on new contracts!”
Bledsoe has been a brick wall for the Spirit since being acquired in 2018 via trade with the Orlando Pride. In 2019, Bledsoe was named the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in addition to being named to the NWSL Team of the Year, leading the league in saves with 87 and finishing second in clean sheets with nine.
Bledsoe also plies her trade W-League side Sydney F.C. and was named the 2018-2019 W-League Goalkeeper of the Year after leading Sydney to their third Championship. Bledsoe recorded 51 saves and two clean sheets in 13 appearances for Sydney FC during the 2018-2019 season.
In 2018 Bledsoe finished her first season as a member of the Spirit with an NWSL regular-season record 108 saves. She racked up four clean sheets on the season and made a career-high 10 saves in her Spirit debut in the club’s regular-season opener on March 24 against Seattle Reign FC.
Sullivan has been a key contributor for the Spirit since being picked with the first overall pick in the 2018 NWSL draft. During the 2018 season, the Stanford grad played in 23 games for the Spirit, starting 22. Sullivan dominated the midfield for the Spirit in her rookie season, winning her tackles at an 86% rate and making 34 interceptions. The midfielder also contributed offensively, completing 78.9% of her passes.
During the 2019 season, Sullivan became a leader in the locker room, being named team captain during the Spirit’s preseason camp. The midfielder stepped up on the pitch as she started in 23 games for the Spirit, logging 2070 minutes in the process. Sullivan won 21 tackles and made 21 interceptions while also completing an impressive 82.3% rate. Sullivan also made 13 key passes and scored two goals, proving her utility at both ends of the field.
Internationally, Sullivan has made 13 caps for the USWNT, registering two assists during her time with the senior squad.
Catch 2019 NWSL goalkeeper of the year Aubrey Bledsoe, USWNT international midfielder Andi Sullivan, and the rest of the Spirit squad in 2020 at three exciting venues, Audi Field, Segra Field, and the Maryland SoccerPlex. Get your Season Tickets here!
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