Player To Watch: Emily Ogle Represents Internationals SC at U20 Women’s World Cup
Former Internationals SC midfielder Emily Ogle will represent the United States at the 2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup kicking off during the second week of November. Held in Papua New Guinea, the United States’ opening match will be held on the 14th versus France. All matches will air on the FOX family of networks.
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Soccer News: Internationals SC alumna Emily Ogle is among 21 players who will represent the United States at the 2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup held in Papua New Guinea from November 13 to December 3.
“I’m very honored to be named to the roster for the upcoming U20 World Cup in Papua New Guinea,” Ogle commented. “I’m excited for the opportunity to wear the U.S. Soccer crest and represent my country this November, but also to represent Ohio and all the young players across the state who dream of one day playing in a World Cup. We know we are carrying a big responsibility on our shoulders and we’re excited for the challenges the tournament will bring.”
The U.S. opens the tournament on Monday, November 14th against France, then faces New Zealand on Thursday, November 17th. The young Americans finish the group against Ghana on Monday, November 21st. The U.S. will play its first two group games at PNG Football Stadium and its final group match at Sir John Guise Stadium. Both stadiums are located in the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. All matches will be broadcast on the FOX family of networks.
“We are thrilled for Emily’s section to the final roster for the U20 Women’s World Cup,” Internationals SC Director of Coaching Keri Sarver added.
“It was clear at an early age that Emily had something special – not only her incredible talent, but her discipline, work ethic and perseverance toward long-term goals,” said Sarver.
“Even through setbacks, she never wavered or made excuses,” continued Sarver. “She trained extra, focused on improving her weaknesses, and became a student of the game. Emily is an amazing representative of the Internationals Soccer Club on and off the field.”
“Emily Ogle is one of the most humble and respectful players that I have ever coached,” said Sarver.
“She is an amazing role model for our young players in the club. We wish Emily and the entire UW20 team all the best as they compete on the world’s biggest stage,” said Sarver.
The 16-team tournament will feature Canada, Mexico, the USA, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Venezuela, France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden.
“Throughout this cycle, we have gone through an extensive process evaluating a number of players in various environments,” U.S. U20 Women’s National Team head coach Michelle French added.
“The final World Cup roster is comprised of players that provide great depth and versatility in every position. The way in which players competed to be a part of the roster, their commitment to be a part of this cycle, and their overall dedication to each other, has been tremendous,” said French. “This group of players is highly motivated which has proven to be the impetus for their individual and collective development, particularly over the last six months.”
French officially named her squad following the completion of the most recent training camp held in Florida, which included the U.S. defeating the Venezuela U20 Women’s National Team twice, by 6-2 and 5-1 scores.
A college sophomore, Olge is among five players on the roster who helped Penn State win the NCAA Championship in 2015. Ogle is also the only player from Ohio to make the roster for this tournament.
“The experience and knowledge this group of players will gain through their participation in the U-20 World Cup is extremely valuable,” French concluded.
“Players have two opportunities at the youth level to try to qualify and compete in a World Cup, so being a part of this roster is massive,” said French.
“The more exposure our Youth National Team players can get to major world events, the heightened physical and emotional demands, and top international competition, the more the players will be prepared moving forward in their respective National Team careers.”
U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup Team Roster by Position:
Goalkeepers (3): Rose Chandler (Penn State; Atlanta, Ga.), Brooke Heinsohn (New England FC; Norfolk, Mass.), Casey Murphy (Rutgers; Bridgewater, N.J.)
Defenders (7): Madeline Elliston (Penn State; Omaha, Neb.), Emily Fox (FC Virginia; Ashburn, Va.), Sabrina Flores (Notre Dame; Livingston, N.J.), Ellie Jean (Penn State; Coventry, Conn.), Natalie Jacobs (Notre Dame; Coto de Caza, Calif.), Taylor Otto (North Carolina; Apex, N.C.), Kaleigh Riehl (Penn State; Fairfax Station, Va.)
Midfielders (7): Marley Canales (San Diego Surf; San Diego, Calif.), Katie Cousins (Tennessee; Forest, Va.), Savannah DeMelo (Beach FC; Bellflower, Calif.), Kelcie Hedge (Washington; Post Falls, Idaho), Emily Ogle (Penn State; Strongsville, Ohio), Courtney Petersen (Virginia; Canton, Mich.), Parker Roberts (Florida; Leawood, Kansas)
Forwards (4): Ashley Sanchez (So Cal Blues: Monrovia, Calif.), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Jessie Scarpa (North Carolina; Lakeland, Fla.), Ally Watt (Texas A&M; Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Photo Credit: Internationals SC and Brent Durken/ISNSoccer.com