Standout UNC defender Trinity Armstrong has been called up to Team USA for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The tournament is scheduled to run from October 16 through November 3.

Should Team USA reach the tournament final, Armstrong would miss at least three regular-season matches: October 17 vs. Clemson, October 25 at No. 6 Florida State and October 31 vs. Duke. Depending on the training schedule, Armstrong could also potentially miss UNC’s games on October 3 (vs. Louisville), October 10 (at No. 18 Cal) and October 13 (at No. 9 Stanford).

A freshman from Frisco, TX, Armstrong has started 12 matches this season for the Tar Heels on the back line. She has helped anchor a Carolina defense which has allowed just nine goals all season and allowed just one goal over a span of eight matches between August 25 and September 22. Armstrong was named the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Week on September 24 after consecutive 1-0 wins against Pittsburgh and Syracuse. She has played the full 90 minutes in each of UNC’s last six matches, during which the Tar Heels went 5-1.

This is not the first time this season Carolina will have dealt with a player absence due to international duties. Forward Maddie Dahlien missed nine matches between August 18 and September 27 to represent Team USA in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Carolina currently sits at 11-1 on the season. The Tar Heels are ranked No. 1 nationally in RPI and No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. UNC will be back in action on October 3 when it hosts Louisville at Dorrance Field at 7 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Anthony Sorbellini


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