Five years ago, the U17 Women’s World Cup was born. Taking place in New Zealand, the best girls youth players competed for the first time at a FIFA tournament.
The United States finished as runners up in the tournament, losing 2-1 in the final to North Korea. Coached by current Seton Hall head coach Kazbek Tambi, the squad he took to the Southern Hemisphere had several names that have gone on to excel at both the collegiate and professional level.
Here’s a look back at where members of that team are today:
GK Taylor Vancil: The starting goalkeeper for the USA in New Zealand, Vancil went on to play collegiate soccer at Florida State and Louisville. The NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars drafted her in 2013, where she made a handful of starts this past season.
D Amber Brooks: The heart and soul of last year’s title-winning North Carolina side, Brooks enjoyed a stellar career at Chapel Hill. She’s yet to make an appearance with the full WNT, but signed with Bayern Munich in January 2013 and is currently playing abroad.
