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Boston Breakers Midfielder Rafinha Named to Brazil Roster for FIFA World Cup 2015

June 5, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Boston Breakers News Release


HANOVER, Mass. (June 5, 2015) - Brazil head coach Vadão named Boston Breakers midfielder Rafaela Travalao (Rafinha) to Brazil's FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 roster as an injury replacement for defender Erika.

For Rafinha, who made her debut with Brazil's senior team in 2013, this is her first trip to the FIFA Women's World Cup. Brazil begins play vs. Costa Rica on June 9 at 4 p.m. ET. They play Spain June 13 and Korea Republic June 17 to round out the group stage.

"Obviously, we'll miss her but I'm tickled to death for her. We were about to move her up into a striker role, and I'm pretty sure that's where she will play for Brazil," Boston Breakers head coach Tom Durkin said. "The national team's coach (Vadão) was over the moon with the form she showed, her fitness and the improvements she made from a physical standpoint while she was with the Breakers. So, she has really benefited from playing in the states and in this league, we couldn't be more proud of that."

Rafinha helped lead Brazil to a third-place finish at the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia by scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over South Africa in the bronze medal match. She also played for Brazil at the 2013 Valais Women's Cup, a two-day tournament, featuring China, Mexico and New Zealand. Brazil finished in third place. A member of Brazil's 2008 U-20 FIFA Women's World Cup in Chile, Rafinha and Brazil finished in fifth place.

This year with the Breakers, Rafinha played in six games (five starts), logging 450 minutes. She ranks second in the National Women's Soccer League in corner kicks (21).

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