Washington Spirit Reserves News Release - www.washingtonspirit.com
Thursday, April 24, 2014
BOYDS, Md. – With final preparations underway to kick off the upcoming W-League season, the Washington Spirit Reserves proudly announced today the addition of former Portland Thorns goalkeeper Adelaide Gay to the 2014 roster. A New Jersey native, Gay spent the past several months in training camp with the Washington NWSL squad, working tirelessly in preparation for a successful year on the pitch.
A reserve player in the truest sense, Gay is listed third on the Washington goalkeeper depth chart and will likely earn call-ups to the professional Spirit side during the season.
Gay accumulated numerous youth accolades while a member of the well-known Players Development Academy (PDA), including four State Cup championships. Her collegiate career began in the Ivy League as member of Yale University women’s soccer program, but her talents caught the attention of the University of North Carolina. Gay transferred to Chapel Hill in her sophomore year and nabbed the starting position12 months later.
In addition to garnering All-American Academic honors for her performance on and off the field, Gay’s senior year as the UNC starting keeper could not have ended any better. Gay capped her collegiate career in a way most keepers only dream about, a 4-1 National Championship victory against Penn State in the 2012 NCAA final.
Following her national championship season with the Tarheels, Gay joined Thorns FC as a Discovery Player signing in April of last year.
“Ade has been working relentlessly hard along with the two first team goalkeepers throughout preseason,” Spirit pro team Goalkeeper Coach Lloyd Yaxely said. “Her desire to improve and desire to win will be contagious amongst all of her teammates.
“To have someone with her experience and quality in our Reserves will be a huge asset for the entire club.”
The Washington Spirit Reserves face a challenging schedule of opponents in the Northeast Conference this season, which includes historic playoff contenders the Long Island Rough Riders and W-League veterans the New York Magic.
The Spirit Reserves kick off their season Saturday, May 17 against the Braddock Road Stars Elite at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Match time is currently slated for 3 p.m. and is the first match of a special doubleheader with the Washington Spirit professional side. The Spirit take on Abby Wambach and the Western New York Flash at 6:30 p.m.