Ashlyn Harris Opens Up About Soccer Career and Finding Love with Sophia Bush Former U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, a key figure in the team’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, is sharing the story of her life in a new Roku documentary titled Gamechangers: The Ashlyn Harris Story. The film explores her journey from a troubled childhood to her rise as a professional athlete, the challenges of retirement, and her current life as a mother and partner to actress Sophia Bush. Harris, now 40, reflects on the sacrifices she made to achieve success in soccer and the emotional toll of leaving behind the identity she built as a player. Harris grew up in Satellite Beach, Florida, where her passion for soccer became an escape from a fractured home life. As a child, she was the only girl on a boys’ team, embracing her tomboyish nature and thriving in the sport. However, her family’s stability was disrupted when her father nearly died in a boating accident, leading to years of instability, including his drinking, marital strife, and Harris feeling unsafe at home. By age 12, she had already begun smoking and drinking, and her older brother, now sober, struggled with substance use. Soccer became her refuge, and by 13, she committed to a full scholarship at the University of North Carolina. Her professional career spanned 13 years, during which she played for teams like the Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, and Gotham FC. Despite her success, Harris admits that the financial rewards of soccer were limited, and she often felt the pressure to prioritize performance over personal well-being. “We never made enough money to live a life where we could take a break in retirement,” she says. Yet, she remained determined, believing in her ability to overcome obstacles.#university_of_north_carolina #washington_spirit #orlando_pride #ashlyn_harris #sophia_bush
Kelley O'Hara Calls Out NWSL's 'High Impact Player' Rule Kelley O'Hara, a former U.S. women’s national team star, recently voiced her mixed feelings about the National Women’s Soccer League’s new “High Impact Player” rule, which was introduced to retain top-tier athletes like Trinity Rodman. O'Hara, speaking on the “Time Wasting” podcast, praised Rodman’s decision to re-sign with the Washington Spirit after initially considering a move to European soccer. The 23-year-old forward, now the highest-paid player in the world, signed a three-year contract extension with the Spirit in January 2026, through the 2028 season. O'Hara expressed personal and professional relief over Rodman’s commitment to the league, calling her a vital figure for the NWSL’s growth. “She brings honesty, excitement, and a unique energy to the game—both on and off the field,” O'Hara said. “We need players like her to keep the league engaging and competitive.” However, she also criticized the rule’s implementation, arguing that while the league’s intent was understandable, the approach was flawed. The High Impact Player rule allows teams to exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million to retain players who meet specific criteria, such as being a key contributor, accumulating significant minutes with the national team, or receiving award nominations. The policy was announced in December 2025, coinciding with heightened media attention on Rodman, whose annual salary surpassed $2 million. O'Hara acknowledged the league’s need to retain stars like Rodman but questioned whether the rule’s structure was the best solution. She emphasized that while the NWSL’s efforts to retain top talent were necessary, the rule’s creation risked setting a precedent that could complicate long-term financial stability.#washington_spirit #national_womens_soccer_league #kelley_ohara #trinity_rodman #high_impact_player_rule
Portland Thorns secured their 2026 NWSL season opener with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit, thanks to a second-half goal from midfielder Olivia Moultrie. The match, played at Providence Park, saw the Thorns dominate possession but struggle to break through the Spirit’s defense until Moultrie’s decisive strike in the 68th minute. The goal came after Moultrie shook her marker in midfield and ran onto a cross between two defenders, showcasing her physicality and awareness. Seattle Reign, meanwhile, faced significant challenges during their third consecutive visit to the Orlando Pride, winning 2-1 in a game disrupted by weather delays and arduous travel to Florida. Head coach Laura Harvey acknowledged the toll of the trip, noting that players who didn’t even touch the field showed physical data equivalent to nearly 90 minutes of play due to multiple warm-ups and delays. “There’s no one that you can look at and go, ‘They’re fresh and ready,’” Harvey said, emphasizing the need to prioritize player safety and adapt tactics based on how teams feel. The Reign’s lineup was further complicated by the absence of key players, including Shae Holmes, Jordyn Bugg, and Sally Menti, who are recovering from minor injuries. Forward Mia Fishel also missed the game after subbing out with hamstring tightness. These absences, combined with the travel fatigue, forced Harvey to rely on depth and adjust strategies to manage energy levels for an upcoming midweek clash against Kansas City. Portland’s roster remained largely unchanged from last season, with the exception of midfielder Sam Coffey, who was transferred to Manchester City in January. The team also did not offer a new contract to defender Kaitlyn Torpey, who started half of their games in 2025.#portland_thorns #washington_spirit #olivia_moultrie #seattle_reign #laura_harvey
