Jasmyne Spencer

Jasmyne Spencer
Spencer with Angel City in 2024
Personal information
Full name Jasmyne Bryanne Spencer[1]
Date of birth (1990-08-27) August 27, 1990 (age 34)
Place of birth Bay Shore, New York, United States
Height 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m)
Position(s) Forward, midfielder, fullback
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2011 Maryland Terrapins (20)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012 New York Fury 10 (3)
2012 Brøndby IF 2 (0)
2013 Washington Spirit 17 (0)
2013–2014 → Apollon Limassol (loan) 2 (1)
2014–2015 Western New York Flash 42 (6)
2014–2016 → Sydney FC (loan) 27 (12)
2016–2017 Orlando Pride 41 (7)
2016–2017 → Canberra United (loan) 8 (0)
2018–2021 OL Reign 28 (2)
2018–2019 → Melbourne City (loan) 11 (4)
2021 Houston Dash 18 (1)
2022–2024 Angel City 57 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 4:20, 2 October 2024 (UTC)

Jasmyne Bryanne Spencer (born August 27, 1990) is an American professional soccer player who most recently played as a forward or fullback for Angel City FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

She has previously played for OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Western New York Flash and Washington Spirit in the NWSL, Sydney FC, Canberra United and Melbourne City in the Australian W-League, Cypriot side Apollon Limassol in the 2013–14 UEFA Women's Champions League, and Danish side Brøndby IF in the 2012–13 UEFA Women's Champions League.

Early life

Spencer was born and raised in Long Island, New York[2][3] and attended Bay Shore High School where she played soccer and ran track.[4] Spencer was twice-named the high school team's most valuable player and served as captain.[4] She led the team in scoring and assists for four seasons and set a school record for career goals.[4] She played club soccer for the Albertson Fury 90 and won three consecutive state championships with the team.[4]

Playing career

New York Fury and Brøndby, 2012

Spencer was selected by the Philadelphia Independence during the 2012 WPS Draft; however, the league suspended operations before play began.[5] She later joined the New York Fury in the Women's Premier Soccer League Elite.[6] Spencer joined Danish side Brøndby IF for two matches of the 2012–13 UEFA Women's Champions League logging a total of 25 minutes.[7]

Washington Spirit and Apollon Limassol, 2013

In 2013, Spencer signed with the Washington Spirit for the inaugural season of the NWSL.[8][9] She made 17 appearances for the club.[10] The team finished in last place during the regular season with a 3–14–5 record.[11]

In September 2013, Spencer was loaned to Apollon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division.[12] She made two appearances for the club during their 2013–14 UEFA Women's Champions League campaign and scored one goal.[13]

Western New York Flash, 2014–15

Spencer joined the Western New York Flash ahead of the 2014 NWSL season.[14] She made 22 appearances for the club, starting in 9 matches and scoring 3 goals.[10] She scored her first goal for the Flash during a 2–1 over FC Kansas City on May 8.[15] The Flash finished in seventh place with a 8–12–4 record.[16]

Returning to the Flash for the 2015 season, Spencer started in 19 of the team's 20 matches.[10] She scored a game-winning goal against the Washington Spirit, resulting in a 3–2 win.[17] The Flash finished in seventh place with a 6–9–5 record.[18]

Sydney FC, 2014–16

Spencer (left) playing for Sydney FC, 2014
Spencer (left) playing for Sydney FC, 2014

In September 2014, Spencer signed with Sydney FC of the Australian W-League for the 2014 season.[19] She was a starting forward in all 13 games that she played and scored 8 goals.[10] During her debut for the team during a match against Adelaide United, Spencer scored the game-winning brace resulting in a 2–0 win.[20] Sydney finished in fourth place during the regular season with a 5–3–4 record and secured a berth to the Final Stages.[21] The team was defeated by Perth Glory in the semi-finals.[22] Spencer was named Players' Player of the Year by her teammates.[23]

Returning to Sydney for the 2015–16 season, Spencer was a starting player in all 14 games in which she played and scored 4 goals during the regular season, primarily playing as a midfielder.[10] Sydney finished in third place with a 6–5–1 record and advanced to the semi-finals where they faced Canberra United.[24][25] During the match, Spencer scored the game-winning goal in the 67th minute to lead Sydney to a 1–0 win and berth to the 2016 W-League Grand Final.[26]

Orlando Pride, 2016–17

Spencer (23) during a match for the Orlando Pride, May 2017.
Spencer (23) during a match for the Orlando Pride, May 2017.

In November 2015, Orlando Pride selected Spencer as their fourth pick in the 2015 NWSL Expansion Draft.[27] During the team's inaugural season, Spencer was a starting forward in 17 of the 20 games she played.[10] She scored her first goal for the Pride — a game-winner — during a 1–0 win over the Houston Dash on June 24.[28] The goal was named Goal of the Week for Week 10 of the 2016 season.[29] Two days later, she scored the team's lone goal during a 2–1 loss against Portland Thorns FC.[30] The Pride finished their inaugural season in ninth place with a 6–13–1 record.[31] Spencer scored four goals during the regular season.[10]

Canberra United, 2016–17

Spencer joined Canberra United on loan for the 2016–17 W-League season.[32][33] She was a starting player in 8 of her 10 appearances for the club, helping Canberra finish in first place during the regular season with a 7–3–2 record and advance to the semi-finals.[34]

OL Reign, 2018–2020

In January 2018, Spencer was traded to OL Reign (then known as Seattle Reign FC).[35] She made her debut for the club during the team's home opener win against the Washington Spirit. The game marked Spencer's 100th cap in the NWSL.[36] Spencer tore her ACL in the first game of the 2019 season and missed the remainder of the season.[37][10]

Melbourne City FC, 2018–19

Spencer joined Melbourne City on loan for the 2018–19 W-League season. She made her debut in City's season opener, a 2–0 loss to Canberra United but scored a hat-trick the following weekend in the team's home opener, a 3–1 victory over Sydney.[38]

Houston Dash, 2021

Spencer made her debut for Houston Dash in a 1-0 win against the Kansas City Current on June 6, 2021.[10] She made 18 appearances for the club during the 2021 season notching 874 minutes on the pitch. She scored the game-winning goal against her former club Reign FC on July 2 in a 2-0 win.[39] The Dash finished the regular season in seventh place with a 9–10–5 record.[40]

Angel City FC, 2022–24

Jasmyne Spencer defends against a Houston Dash player
Spencer defends against a Houston Dash player, October 2023

On December 16, 2021 Spencer was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft by expansion club Angel City FC and signed a two-year contract.[41] On September 11, 2022, Spencer made her 150th NWSL appearance against her former club team, the Houston Dash. Spencer recorded 876 minutes and 17 clearances during the 2022 season and she started 10 of 15 regular season matches during their inaugural season which saw them finish in eighth place with a record of 8–9–5.[42]

During the 2023 season, Spencer scored her first goal for the club, a match winner in a 1–0 victory against Kansas City Current which helped Angel City along its path to its first ever NWSL Playoff appearance where they finished the season fifth overall with a 8–7–7 record.[43][44]

Spencer made her first start of the 2024 season on April 13, 2024 against Chicago Red Stars, playing a key role in Angel City's first win and clean sheet of the season. The game also marked her 175th NWSL regular-season appearance.[45] Spencer made her 50th appearance for Angel City on September 1, 2024, in a home match against the Chicago Red Stars which finished as a 2–1 victory. Spencer is the first outfield player to reach this milestone for Angel City, and second overall after goalkeeper DiDi Haračić.[46] After the concluson of the 2024 season Spencer became a free agent and on December 10, 2024, Angel City announced they would not be signing Spencer to a new contact.[47] Spencer finished her time at Angel City as the player with the most appearances across all competions with 76.

Other work

Spencer created lifestyle brand "Jas It Up Headbands" in 2016. In 2019, while recovering from an ACL injury she rebranded it to "Jas It Up".[48] The sustainable lifestyle brand sells clothing and accessories. The mission of the brand "is to educate and inspire people to lead an eco-conscious and socially aware lifestyle in an effort to uplift our communities, empower our youth, and protect our future on this planet."[49]

References

  1. ^ "Jasmyne Bryanne Spencer". Cyprus Football Association. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  2. ^ "TheBold Interview: Jasmyne Spencer – TheBold: Seattle Reign FC". TheBold: Seattle Reign FC. March 24, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  3. ^ Gordon, Jennifer (September 22, 2016). "Jasmyne Spencer keeps making the most of her chances". The Equalizer. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  4. ^ a b c d "Jasmyne Spencer Bio". umterps.com. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  5. ^ "Breakers select six players in NWSL Supplemental Draft". Boston Breakers. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  6. ^ "NY Fury Weekly Release". Paul Riley Soccer School. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  7. ^ "Jasmyne Spencer". UEFA. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  8. ^ Lewis, Scott; Drot, Kareen. "Washington Spirit sign forward Jasmyne Spencer, waive defender Skyy Anderson". NWSL News. Archived from the original on June 7, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  9. ^ "Spirit add Jasmyne Spencer to round out first NWSL roster" (Press release). Washington Spirit. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2013 – via Baltimore Soccer News.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i "J. Spencer". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  11. ^ "2013 NWSL Tables". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  12. ^ "Jasmyne Spencer loaned to Apollon Limassol LFC". National Women's Soccer League. September 13, 2013. Archived from the original on February 24, 2014.
  13. ^ "Jasmyne Spencer scores in Apollon loss, bringing optimism for next week — Washington Spirit". washingtonspirit.com. October 10, 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  14. ^ "Western New York Flash announces 2014 roster". Soccer Wire. April 7, 2014. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  15. ^ DiVeronica, Jeff (May 7, 2014). "Shorthanded but resourceful, WNY Flash find way to win, 2–1". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  16. ^ "2014 NWSL Tables". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  17. ^ Manzari, Megan (May 23, 2015). "Spencer lifts Flash past Spirit, off bottom of table". The Equalizer. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  18. ^ "2015 NWSL Tables". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  19. ^ "Stajcic Adds To Squad Ahead Of Season Kick Off". Football Federation Australia. September 5, 2014.
  20. ^ "Sydney FC off to winning start". The Women's Game. September 14, 2014. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  21. ^ "2014/2015 W-League Tables". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  22. ^ "Perth Glory hammer Sydney FC 3–0 to move into W-League grand final". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. AAP. December 14, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  23. ^ Jasmyne Spencer Acceptance Speech. Sydney FC. April 29, 2015. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  24. ^ "2015/2016 W-League Tables". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  25. ^ "2015/2016 W-League Final Stages". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  26. ^ "Sydney FC beats Canberra United 1–0 in W-League semi-final". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. January 24, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  27. ^ Tenorio, Paul (November 2, 2015). "Orlando Pride continue building roster through NWSL expansion draft". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  28. ^ "Pride 1, Dash 0: Spencer Scores Late Winner". The Mane Land. Retrieved April 4, 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  29. ^ Goal of the Week Winner: Jasmyne Spencer – Week 10. National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  30. ^ "Late Goal from Thorns Hands Orlando Pride First Home Loss". Orlando City. June 26, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  31. ^ "2016 NWSL Tables". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  32. ^ Dutton, Chris (October 19, 2016). "Canberra United recruits two American stars to bolster W-League bid". The Canberra Times. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  33. ^ Helmers, Caden (February 2, 2017). "Jasmyne Spencer hopes to flip the script for Canberra United". The Canberra Times. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  34. ^ "2016/2017 W-League Tables". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  35. ^ "Seattle Reign FC acquire Steph Catley, Jasmyne Spencer from Orlando Pride". Sounder At Heart. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  36. ^ FC, Seattle Reign (March 25, 2018). "Reign FC Open 2018 NWSL Season With A Win Against Washington Spirit". TheBold: Seattle Reign FC. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  37. ^ @reignfc (April 18, 2019). ".@Jas_it_Up suffered an ACL tear in the 26th minute of our match against the @HoustonDash last Sunday. Jas is expected to miss the remainder of the 2019 NWSL season recovering from the injury. #FURT" (Tweet). Retrieved April 18, 2019 – via Twitter.
  38. ^ Colangelo, Anthony (November 2, 2018). "Spencer hat-trick shocks City's season to life". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  39. ^ "Emotional night sees Jasmyne Spencer overcome the past, find kinship in Houston". The Striker. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  40. ^ "2021 NWSL". Soccerway. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  41. ^ "Angel City FC signs defender Jasmyne Spencer to 2-year contract". Los Angeles Daily News. December 5, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  42. ^ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  43. ^ "Jasmyne Spencer's goal lifts Angel City to win over Kansas City". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 2, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  44. ^ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  45. ^ Gutierrez, Jackie. "Angel City FC Records First Win Of the NWSL Regular Season". Forbes. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  46. ^ "Jasmyne Spencer - Angel City FC Forward". ESPN. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  47. ^ "ACFC Announces Roster Status". angelcity.com. December 10, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  48. ^ Scurlock, Amanda (May 18, 2023). "ACFC Forward Uses Lifestyle Brand to Battle Climate Change". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  49. ^ "Sustainable Lifestyle Brand| Jas It Up". jasitup. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
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