Gibsonia’s Meghan Klingenberg will have the honor of representing her country on Women’s soccer’s biggest stage this summer.
On Tuesday, U.S. Women’s National Soccer team announced their 23-player roster which includes Klingenberg for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be held this summer in Canada.
Klingenberg, 26, who’s known for her versatility and ability to serve in passes from the wing, has played in all seven games for the WNT so far this year, starting six.
She scored her first goal of 2015 and second of her international career, during the USA’s 4-0 victory against New Zealand on April 4 in St. Louis. Was one of three defenders to score in the victory. She was a key piece of the USA’s back line during the Algarve Cup, appearing in all four matches and starting three to help the USA capture its 10th title after defeating France 2-0 in the final on March 11.
Klingenburg currently plays professionally for the Houston Dash.
A four year starter at North Carolina, she played in 94 games in her college career, starting 65. She scored 18 career goals with 24 assists. Klingenberg graduated from Pine-Richland High School in 2007, where she was captain of the girls team. She was an integral part of the Rams’ 2005 PIAA Championship and was an NSCAA All-America selection. She was also a Parade high school All-American.
This summer, the defending Olympic Champs, and two time World Cup winners, USA will face Australia, Sweden and Nigeria in Group D at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The USA opens against Australia on June 8 at Winnipeg Stadium, followed by Sweden on June 12 in Winnipeg and Nigeria on June 16 at BC Place in Vancouver.
The US women have not won a World Cup since their memorable 1999 triumph — with Cup Final clincher before over 100,000 at the Rose Bowl. They are bringing back a few big name veterans to the roster including all-time leading scorer Abby Wambach, Christine Rampone who will be playing in a record-tying 5th World Cup, goalkeeper Hope Solo and Alex Morgan.
“It’s been a thorough process of evaluation, and we had a lot of good opportunities to see the players in highly competitive situations. I feel that this group of players can accomplish our goals,” said Head Coach Jill Ellis said in US Soccer statement.
“We have positional depth, versatility, and players that will give us balance on every line.”
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup runs from June 6-July 5 and all 52 games will be shown live on FOX, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2.
Here’s the full US Soccer release including the complete roster:
http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/04/14/15/20/150414-wnt-wwc-roster-announcement