NWSL Washington Spirit

Three Washington Spirit Players Earn U.S. U-23 Call-Up

Published on February 22, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


GERMANTOWN, Md. (Feb. 22) - Before they kick off the National Women's Soccer League season with the Washington Spirit, three players have a little trip to make.

Midfield/forward Colleen Williams and forwards Tiffany McCarty and Stephanie Ochs were named to the U.S. Under-23 Women's National Team, and they'll travel with the squad from Feb. 22-March 5 to play against Norway, England and Sweden in La Manga, Spain.

The matches mark a return to international play for the two pure strikers, as both have featured in previous U.S. squads. McCarty has been a frequent performer dating back to her time with the U-16 team, and Ochs started all three U-23 games in 2012, scoring a goal against England in La Manga.

It's the first competition call-up for Williams, though she was in training camp last summer at the Home Depot Center. The University of Dayton product established herself as one of the nation's top young players during her college career on the way to becoming just the 20th player in NCAA Women's Soccer history to reach the 50/50 mark in goals (58) and assists (50).

"This will be an excellent opportunity for Tiffany, Stephanie and Colleen to gain international experience, as well as prepare for our March 11 preseason," Spirit head coach Mike Jorden said. "We're excited to see them represent the U.S., and then carry that momentum into our first NWSL camp."

All three players were drafted by the Spirit in January. Washington selected McCarty with the second overall pick before taking Williams in the fourth round, and Ochs arrived via the No. 1 overall pick in the NWSL Supplemental Draft.

McCarty started every match last season for Florida State, leading the team in scoring and becoming the first three-time All-American in school history. She also led all players at the NCAA Tournament in points (15) and goals (seven). Ochs was a two-time All-America selection at San Diego, and Williams is a three-time NSCAA All-American and a two-time Hermann Trophy candidate, as well as the 2012 Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year.

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