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CU women's soccer team will be World Cup bound this summer

The NCAA allows a collegiate team one "foreign tour" every four years

BOULDER, Colo. — The sounds of whistles and kicks are back at Prentup Field, but on Saturday, the University of Colorado will pack their bags and take their training to the biggest stage in women’s soccer.

“Once he said France I just kind of knew we were going to the World Cup,” said senior midfielder Taylor Kornieck.

Every four years, the NCAA allows the universities athletic programs to take a “foreign tour”. For the CU women’s soccer team, a trip to France for the 2019 FIFA World Cup was the obvious choice.

“That first kick at a sold-out stadium on Tuesday, June 11th supporting the U.S., that’s going to be probably the most special moment,” said head coach Danny Sanchez following one of their extra 10 training sessions the NCAA gave them ahead of their trip.

“It’s not every day you get to see the Women’s National Team play live so I’m really excited,” added Kornieck.

And there will be some familiar faces on the pitch in Colorado natives Lindsey Horan and Mallory Pugh.

“Obviously we’ll be really supportive Lindsey and Mal there at the World Cup but really for us it’s just about supporting the whole country,” said Sanchez.

That’s if the Buffs can figure out how to ask for directions to the stadium.

“My background in French is nada,” Sanchez jokes.

“Oui,” says Kornick with a laugh. “I can say Bonjour.”

 “I went and took it in kindergarten for approximately a whole school year,” senior goalkeeper Jalen Tompkins recalled. “I remember un, deux, trois, (1,2,3) and that’s it, so stick with French kids.”

Thankfully, they can cheer in English for the reigning World Cup champs, as the Americans will need all the help they can get in a tournament filled with top-level talent.

 “I think France obviously being at home will probably be a co-favorite along with us and then I think you put Germany, the Netherlands, England and I think the sleeper pick, even though they lost the other day, is Australia,” said Sanchez.

But the trip won’t be spent entirely in the stands as CU will also suit up against three French professional soccer clubs.

“Just the entire trip from start to finish I’m just really trying to embrace and get the most out of it,” Tompkins said with a smile.

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