May 7, 2008

MILWAUKEE - Senior women's soccer player Allison Mallams earned a spot on the U.S. U-23 Women's National Team roster following an eight-day training camp in Portland, Ore. It was announced by U.S. Soccer officials recently. Mallams' selection marks the first Marquette women's soccer player to be named to the U-23 Women's National Team.

"Allison has taken another giant step in her soccer career," said Marquette head coach Markus Roeders. "She received a great opportunity to compete at the highest level and she took full advantage of it. Throughout her time at Marquette, she showed what made her special. Allison always worked hard on the field, has a very good touch, can beat players one on one, and has an incredible knack for scoring goals. The players on this team are the 'best of the best' who will play and represent the U.S., and Allison won't disappoint being part of this team. She has remained humble about her opportunity and we wish much success."

Mallams is one of 18 players U.S. head coach Bill Irwin will bring to Germany for several matches as the squad continues to prepare for the 2008 Nordic Cup to be held in Sweden from July 15-21. The U-23s will play a promoted friendly in Crailsheim against TSV Crailsheim on May 20, followed by the clash with the German U-23 Women's National Team on May 22 in Wangen, and will finish with another as yet confirmed scrimmage on May 24.

Mallams, who exhausted her eligibility following the 2007 season, was a two-time All-BIG EAST Second Team selection in 2006 and 2007 even though she played in just nine games for the 2007 season. As the team's leading scorer in 2006, Mallams helped the Golden Eagles to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Mallams will complete her degree course requirements in December.

U.S. U-23 WNT Training Camp Roster
May 16-24, 2008
Wangen, Germany

Goalkeepers (2): Cori Alexander (Portland), Val Henderson (UCLA);

Defenders (6): Marisa Abegg (Stanford), Nikki Krzysik (Virginia), Casey Moore (Texas), Becky Sauerbrunn (Virginia), Brittany Taylor (UConn), Elise Weber (Notre Dame);

Midfielders (4): Yael Averbuch (North Carolina), Kiki Bosio (Santa Clara), Brittany Klein (Santa Clara), Lorraine Quinn (Duke);

Forwards (6): Ameera Abdullah (Florida), Amanda Cinalli (Notre Dame), Kerri Hanks (Notre Dame), Katie Larkin (BYU), Allison Mallams (Marquette), Ella Masar (Illinois).