University of Maine freshman soccer goalkeeper Grace Wilson has been chosen to play for her native Australian team in the upcoming 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The tournament kicks off on Aug. 31 with the final set for Sept. 22.
Wilson is one of three goalkeepers on the 21-player squad.
The Adelaide native played for the Young Matildas team that won bronze medal at the 2024 Asian Cup which earned them a berth in the 24-team FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
In 2022, Wilson played for Australia in the nine-team AFF Under-18 tournament in Indonesia for countries in southeast Asia and posted two shutouts, 4-0 over the Philippines in the group stage and 2-0 over Vietnam in the gold medal game.
The 5-foot-11 goalkeeper played for the Adelaide United Football Club from 2021-24 and for the U-14, U-16 and U-18 South Australia State teams.
“Any time you can represent your country, especially in a World Cup stage, it’s a great honor,” said UMaine head coach Scott Atherley. “Very few players have the opportunity to play at that level.”
Atherley said Wilson is an exceptionally athletic ‘keeper.
“Grace has very good command in the air. As a shot stopper, Grace has really quick reflexes,” he added.
In addition, Wilson has a real presence in the penalty area.
“Grace has really good vocal command, as good as any goalkeeper I’ve ever had,” he said.
He said Wilson has a great understanding of the game and articulates situations to teammates in a quick and clear way to help them organize their defensive alignment.
Atherley said Wilson’s inclusion on the Australian Under-20 team is good for his program in that it shows “we’re able to attract that level of player to our school.”
Australia is in a four-team group with host Colombia, Mexico and Cameroon.
The Matildas face Colombia on Aug. 31, Mexico on Sept. 3 and Cameroon on Sept. 6.
The top two teams from the six four-team groups advance to the Round of 16 along with the four best third-place teams.
The Round of 16 begins on Sept. 11, the quarterfinals are set for Sept. 15 and the semifinals will be played on Sept. 18 followed by the Sept. 22 final.
Unless the Matildas reach the final, Wilson would be back at UMaine in time for the America East opener against Binghamton on Sept. 22.
UMaine has seven non-conference games prior to the league opener.
Graduate student Jessica Kasacek and junior Jordan Wolf from Falmouth, a Stony Brook transfer, will handle the goaltending chores.
