Portland keeper Gay joins Spirit Reserves

Washington Spirit  |   April 23, 2014
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With final preparations under way 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. The New Jersey native Gay has spent the last 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 over 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 position twelve 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 over Penn State in the 2012 NCAA title 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,” commented pro team Goalkeeper Coach Lloyd Yaxely. “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,” concluded Yaxely.

The Washington Spirit Reserves face a challenging schedule of opponents in the Northeast Conference for the season, which include historic playoff contenders Long Island Rough Riders and W-League veterans New York Magic.

The Spirit Reserves kick off their season Saturday, May 17th against the Braddock Road Stars Elite at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Match time is currently slated for 3:00PM 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 6:30PM.

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