Adelaide United Women is pleased to announce the signing of United States defender, Julia Ashley, for the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season.
Ashley joins the Reds having last played at Linköpings FC in the Swedish first division and follows the arrival of fellow American, Mallory Weber, and the return of compatriot, Amber Brooks.
The 22-year-old New Jersey native was drafted sixth overall at the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft by Sky Blue FC after four impressive seasons with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
In 94 games with the Tar Heels, Ashley scored eight goals while laying on a further 20 assists.
Ashley, who predominantly operates as a centre-back, has also represented her country at the U-20 and U-23 level.
https://twitter.com/AUFCWomen/status/1192634460363083777
Head Coach, Ivan Karlović, said Ashley further increases the quality within his squad and bolsters the defensive stocks in particular.
“Julia is very good technically and is extremely athletic,” he explained. “She will certainly improve our squad especially from a defensive perspective,”
“Despite being 22, the experience she has acquired by playing in Sweden and with the American youth national team will certainly help our younger players.
“Her arrival means three of our foreign spots have now been filled and I’m delighted with how the squad is shaping.
“We’re very close to finalising the team with a couple more signings to come with the new W-League season just around the corner.
“It’s an exciting time and we cannot wait to get started with our competitive games, really showing how much we’ve developed since last year.”
