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Pair of @Pitt_WSOC Players Named to U20 World Cup Rosters

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Ashley Moreira, who took a redshirt at Pitt this year, will be playing for Canada in the U-20 Women’s World Cup (photo courtesy Pitt Athletics)


With the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea set to commence Nov. 13, the University of Pittsburgh will have two student-athletes represent their countries in goalkeeper Amaia Peña and midfielder Ashley Moreira.
 
Peña, who joined the Panthers this summer following a stint with the U19 team at the European Championships, will represent her home country of Spain. Moreira, who helped Canada to a U20 World Cup berth in December, will return to the field with her country.
 
With senior keeper Taylor Francis keeping a firm hold in the net for the Panthers, Peña has not seen game action as a member of the Panther squad. In addition to her time with the U19 team, she also competed with the U17 team, having appeared in six matches to bring Spain to a 5-2 victory over Switzerland in the UEFA U17 Championship final in 2015.
 
With the U19 team, she led the Spaniards to the championship game, where they fell to France 2-1 in a four-hour contested which was interrupted by inclement weather.
 

“Amaia has been the best goalkeeper in Spain in her age group for a few years now,” said head coach Greg Miller. “Now she will be representing Spain at the U20 World Cup, which is a tremendous honor. Since she joined us in August, Amaia has made significant strides in her game that will enable her to be an impact in this tournament. As with Ashley, we are proud she will be representing Pitt as well as her country.”

 
In December of 2015, Moreira laced up with the Canadian squad, guiding them to a berth in the U20 World Cup. Canada would finish second to the United States in the Honduras qualifier, as Moreira collected 390 minutes, appearing in four of the team’s five contests.
 
Moreira did not see playing time for the Panthers this season as she elected to take a redshirt. In her career with Pitt, she has appeared in 36 games, recording 2,789 minutes. Additionally, she has scored one goal and added five assists including a game-winning overtime goal at Colorado College in 2015.
 

“We’re really proud of Ashley,” added Miller. “She has worked extremely hard and made a lot of sacrifices to position herself for this great opportunity. To be able to represent her country at a World Cup is a dream come true for her, and we’re so proud she is representing our program as well.”

 
The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will get underway Nov. 13 with the final set for Dec. 3 in Papua New Guinea. For more information, click here.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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