Breaking Down Ashlyn Harris' Performance in USWNT's 2-0 Loss to France

Heading into this past weekend’s friendly against France, much of the focus was on the United States women’s national team's goalkeeping situation. With Hope Solo being unavailable due to suspension, head coach Jill Ellis looked to Washington Spirit goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris to step between the pipes for Team USA.

The result was a 2-0 loss for the Americans in a poor showing that lacked cohesion in the midfield and a back line that looked shaky for stretches of the match.

Harris came up with back-to-back tip-over-the-crossbar saves just past the half-hour mark. The Satellite Beach, Florida, native tipped Laura Georges’ right-footed volley over the bar in 32nd minute to keep the match scoreless. Less than a minute later, Amandine Henry struck a shot from distance that forced Harris to make an identical stop.

The U.S. women were perhaps rather fortunate to go into the locker room scoreless after the opening 45 minutes.

Ellis’ side was not nearly as lucky in the second half. Two quick goals by the French exposed the United States' weakness down the left side. In both instances, left back Lori Chalupny was beaten, first by Elodie Thomis and then Jessica Houara.

Within two minutes, Harris’ first-half heroics were not able to keep the United States deadlocked.

It was just the fifth cap for the 29-year-old goalkeeper, who is looking to fight for the top spot heading into this summer’s Women’s World Cup. After spending much of the past several years missing out on game rosters, Harris has found herself solidly in the backup spot for the United States over the last year.

Fox Sports reporter Jamie Trecker called Harris’ performance a bright spot for the United States (along with forward Christen Press) in an otherwise disappointing match for Team USA.

Neither goal could be fully blamed on Harris, and the first-half showing from the Washington Spirit keeper should help her make her case for starting in Canada this summer. The biggest issue right now lies in her lack of big-game experience. While Harris started as a 16-year-old in 2002’s inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Championship, she has yet to see the biggest stages for the senior team.

The U.S. women take on England on Feb. 13, and it will be interesting if Ellis takes another look at Harris against what will likely be another challenging match, or if Alyssa Naeher or Nicole Barnhart gets a shot between the pipes.