The women’s USA National Team came away with the silver in soccer after losing 2-1 to North Korea in double overtime recently. Among the team’s players was Pleasanton’s Olivia Klei, 17, a senior at Foothill High School.
Klei was named Woman of the Match, the MVP, for her play in a game against Paraguay Nov. 1, leading up to the final match.
Klei, who plays for the Pleasanton Rage, said she’ll never forget her unique experience.
“To be a part of a World Cup is more than just playing an international soccer tournament,” said Klei, who arrived home to Pleasanton Nov. 17. “A World Cup is countries coming together, despite all differences, and competing to be World Champions with class. In the soccer world this is the biggest event one could possibly attend.”
This was the first year a U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup was held. Countries had to qualify and this summer, the U.S. National Team went to Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifications, taking first place out of eight countries and earned a spot in the World Cup, held in Aukland, New Zealand. Only 16 top teams around the world make the World Cup.
Klei has been competing on the national team for three years for a spot at the final roster. Prior to going to New Zealand, as one of 21 players across the nation from 15 states, she trained every month for a week at a time. These camps were during school and summer creating obstacles with her grades and family time.
“The camps that I went to consisted of double days, fitness tests, tactical tests, competing with professional male soccer players and making sure one got the proper nutrition and hydration,” Klei said. “Participating in the World Cup was a tremendous opportunity that I was fortunate to be apart of. I’ll never forget the friends I made on the team, the wonderful travel experience I had, and becoming a better player and person.”
