Australia’s Adelaide United Women professional soccer team has announced the signing of Verona’s own Julia Ashley for the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season. Ashley joins the Reds from Linköpings FC in the Swedish first division, where she started at right back and center back in the first half of the season. She returned to the U.S. over the summer for arthroscopic surgery and got back up to speed practicing with her alma mater, the University of North Carolina.
The 22-year-old defender was drafted sixth overall at the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League college draft by New Jersey’s Sky Blue FC after four impressive seasons with UNC. In 94 games with the Tar Heels, Ashley scored eight goals and recorded 20 assists. Ashley, who predominantly operates as a center back, has also represented the United States at the U-20 and U-23 level.
“Julia is very good technically and is extremely athletic,” said Adelaide United Head Coach Ivan Karlović in the announcement. “She will certainly improve our squad especially from a defensive perspective.”
“Despite being 22,” he added, “the experience she has acquired by playing in Sweden and with the American youth national team will certainly help our younger players.”
Adelaide United had a strong season last year, missing the finals by one point. In addition to Ashley, the team includes Mallory Weber, a former Penn State player. Ashley is expected to start in her first match this coming Thursday against the Sydney Wanderers. If you’re in Verona and hoping to catch the game live, it’s a 3:30 a.m. Eastern start.
