Indiana University Athletics
Velasquez To Play In Second World Cup
5/18/2015 3:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Visit Official FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 Website
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - For Indiana University Women's Soccer standout Orianica Velasquez was one of 23 players officially named to Colombia's roster for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015, which takes place June 6-July 5.
It marks the second appearance in the FIFA Women's World Cup for the native of Bogota, Colombia, as she also participated in the 2011 edition in Germany. The Colombians went 0-2-1 in that event and did not advance to the knockout stage.
"For Ori to continue to play at such a high level and to earn a spot on her second FIFA Women's World Cup team is a testament to her dedication to soccer," Indiana head coach Amy Berbary said. "We will be supporting her every step of the way and look forward to watching her play on the biggest stage in women's soccer."
Prior to the start of the World Cup, Velasquez and her Colombian teammates will play a trio of friendly matches in Denver, Colorado. Then the first match of the World Cup for Colombia will be on June 9 against Mexico.
Pre-World Cup Friendly Matches
May 28 vs. ECNL Colorado Storm
May 31 vs. Costa Rica
June 3 - vs. Costa Rica
Colombia Matches at FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 (Group F)
June 9 vs. Mexico (Moncton Stadium)
June 13 vs. France (Moncton Stadium)
June 17 vs. England (Olympic Stadium - Montreal)
During her four years in Bloomington, Velasquez racked up 64 points (26 G, 12 A), which ranks as the fourth-most in school history. Her 26 goals is tied for fourth all-time at IU while her 12 assists are tied for ninth. In Big Ten play, she tallied 10 goals in her career to tie for the second-most in program history and her 25 career points are also tied for second. She is also the only IU Women's Soccer player to ever play in the World Cup or the Olympics.
In addition to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, she also helped Colombia qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the country's first-ever appearance in women's soccer at the Olympica Games.
