Texas Tech University Athletics
Canadian U-20 National Team Calls Up Mulenga
December 13, 2019 | Women's Soccer
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Texas Tech freshman invited to camp with U-20 national team.
OTTAWA, Ontario – Canada Soccer called Texas Tech freshman Penelope Mulenga up to train with its U-20 national team Friday. Mulenga will head to Burnaby, located in British Columbia, for camp Dec. 13-18.
"When I got invited to camp, I was so excited because it is a chance to grow and learn from Canada's top coaches and players," Mulenga said. "Not only that, but it is a chance to fight for a spot on the Canadian U-20 team to represent my country, which would be a dream come true."
Mulenga arrived in Lubbock in July as a 5-11 midfielder signee from Canadian powerhouse club REX SK, which plays out of her home province of Saskatchewan. She made her collegiate debut Aug. 22 in Tech's blowout win at San Diego State and put one shot on frame. After a handful of strong performances at holding mid off the bench, she earned her first start and played all 90 minutes in the Red Raiders' victory over North Texas.
The Saskatoon native would go on to start in the midfield in all 16 of the team's remaining games. She found the net twice, her first goal coming at home in the regular season finale against Kansas State. She fought through a defender, won the ball and netted it top corner for her first score.
Her second goal looked much like the first, coming against Pepperdine in her NCAA Tournament debut when she again won a ball outside the 18 and struck it far corner for the score.
Head coach Tom Stone has been impressed with the freshman from the start, and believes her call-up is an exciting opportunity for significant growth this early in her collegiate career.
"She came in fully prepared for college and had a terrific freshman season," he said. "Penny is in the early stages of discovering just how good she can be, so this will be wonderful for her development. I have no doubt Canada will be pleased with this young talent."
Mulenga's camp this week and next will help the Canadian U-20 team determine its final roster for February's U-20 World Cup Qualifying Rounds.
"When I got invited to camp, I was so excited because it is a chance to grow and learn from Canada's top coaches and players," Mulenga said. "Not only that, but it is a chance to fight for a spot on the Canadian U-20 team to represent my country, which would be a dream come true."
Mulenga arrived in Lubbock in July as a 5-11 midfielder signee from Canadian powerhouse club REX SK, which plays out of her home province of Saskatchewan. She made her collegiate debut Aug. 22 in Tech's blowout win at San Diego State and put one shot on frame. After a handful of strong performances at holding mid off the bench, she earned her first start and played all 90 minutes in the Red Raiders' victory over North Texas.
The Saskatoon native would go on to start in the midfield in all 16 of the team's remaining games. She found the net twice, her first goal coming at home in the regular season finale against Kansas State. She fought through a defender, won the ball and netted it top corner for her first score.
First goal as a Red Raider!@pennymulenga stays strong on the ball and slots one top corner with her left foot and we are ????????????'.
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) November 1, 2019
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Her second goal looked much like the first, coming against Pepperdine in her NCAA Tournament debut when she again won a ball outside the 18 and struck it far corner for the score.
Head coach Tom Stone has been impressed with the freshman from the start, and believes her call-up is an exciting opportunity for significant growth this early in her collegiate career.
"She came in fully prepared for college and had a terrific freshman season," he said. "Penny is in the early stages of discovering just how good she can be, so this will be wonderful for her development. I have no doubt Canada will be pleased with this young talent."
Mulenga's camp this week and next will help the Canadian U-20 team determine its final roster for February's U-20 World Cup Qualifying Rounds.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
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