Meghan Klingenberg, a graduate from Pine-Richland high school who went on to become a world champion with the United States Women’s National Team, keeps adding to her impressive resume. The 2015 FIFA World Cup winner was named to the first ever FIFA Women’s World XI international team.
The award is voted on by players from 33 nationalities in 20 countries. Eleven players in different positions are named as the best in their position, and Klingenberg was voted the best for her position at left wing on the defense.
Klingenberg, who started all seven of the USWNT’s World Cup games, was a part of the solid defense that only gave up three goals during the entire tournament. The defense had five straight games where they didn’t let their opponents score against them.
After the World Cup, Klingenberg has participated in every game the USWNT has played as either part of the Victory Tour or recently in World Cup qualifying. During the very first Victory Tour match, which was held at Heinz Field, Klingenberg scored her third-ever international goal. In her goal celebration, head coach Jill Ellis tossed her a Terrible Towel and the crowd erupted in support for their hometown player.
As for her National Women’s Soccer League career, Klingenberg made her name well known with the Houston Dash in 2014. However, in October 2015 it was announced that Klingenberg was traded to the Portland Thorns.
Also added to the Women’s World XI international team was fellow defender Julie Johnston, goalkeeper Hope Solo and midfielder Carli Lloyd.
The full list includes defenders Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada) and Wendie Renard (France); midfielders Amandine Henry (France) and Aya Miyama (Japan); and forwards Eugenie Le Sommer (France), Anja Mittag (Germany) and Celia Sasic (Germany).
Currently, the USWNT is set to face Trinidad and Tobago in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying on Friday, February 19. If the USWNT win, they go on to face either Canada or Costa Rica in the final round. Also, if the USWNT win against Trinidad and Tobago, they will be officially qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
