Boyds, Md. (Sept. 27, 2018) – The Washington Spirit has signed goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe to a new contract. Per NWSL policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In addition, Washington has completed a loan agreement that will send Bledsoe to Sydney FC of the Australian W-League for the duration of the NWSL offseason, before returning ahead of the Spirit’s 2019 season.

“Aubrey was a clear bright spot for the Spirit this season, and re-signing her was a top priority for our club,” said Spirit president and general manager Chris Hummer. “It’s no surprise her services are in demand overseas, and we’re confident her time with Sydney FC is the right opportunity.”

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Bledsoe was acquired by the Spirit via trade from the Orlando Pride last January. The 26-year-old goalkeeper made 21 appearances for the Spirit last season, and set the new NWSL single-season saves record, stopping 108 shots.

This will be the Cincinnati native’s second stint with Sydney FC, as Bledsoe was also loaned out to the club from the Pride in November of 2017.

Last year, Sydney FC finished second in the W-League table with 25 points, just three behind the leaders, the Brisbane Roar. Overall, the team finished with a record of 8-1-3. Sydney’s 2018 W-League campaign will begin on October 5 against the Western Sydney Wanderers.