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WVU women soccer alums Abam and Kith selected to play for Cameroon at Women’s World Cup

Michaela Abam receives a hug after scoring the game-winning goal in the NCAA National Semifinal in 2016. (Photo courtesy WVU Athletics/Pgh Soccer Report file photo)

From West Virginia University Athletic Department report

West Virginia University women’s soccer alums Michaela Abam and Easther Mayi Kith have been named to the Cameroon Women’s National Team and will compete in the upcoming 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

The pair will make their first career World Cup appearances. This year’s tournament will take place June 7 – July 7 in France.

“I’m so excited for Easther and Michaela,” Mountaineer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. “You can’t ask for a bigger competition stage. They are so excited for this opportunity and to be playing for Cameroon.”

A member of Group E, Cameroon opens the World Cup against Canada on June 10 before facing Netherlands on June 15 and New Zealand on June 20.

Abam, a three-time All-American and the most experienced player in WVU history, will play midfield for Cameroon. A Houston native, she previously competed in the U.S. Youth National Team Program and was a member of the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team. Drafted by Sky Blue FC with the No. 4 pick at the 2018 NWSL College Draft, she currently plays professionally for Paris FC.

Abam's Fabulous Finish Sends @WVUWomenssoccer To National Title Game #NCAACollegeCup

Mayi Kith, a December 2018 graduate, signed a professional contract with Montpellier HSC in January. A center back with the Mountaineers, she also will play defense for Cameroon. Mayi Kith left WVU ranked No. 4 in career starts (89) and No. 5 in matches played (93).

At the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, WVU was represented by Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence, who helped host Canada advance to the quarterfinals before falling to England. Buchanan won the tournament’s Hyundai Young Player Award.

Canada has not announced its 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster.

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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