KU Freshman Looking For Second-Straight World Cup Appearance

Jan. 20, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Looking to make a World Cup appearance for the second-straight year, Kansas soccer freshman Liana Salazar is busy training with the Colombian National Team, as her squad prepares for the U20 South American Championship later this month.

The fifth edition of the South American Championship will run from Jan. 20-Feb. 5 in Curitaba, Brazil. The winner and runner-up from both Group A and B will qualify for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan this summer. Colombia took second place in the 2010 South American Championship, its best finish, to earn a place in the 2011 World Cup in Germany. Salazar competed in Germany and even drew a start in Colombia’s contest versus USA.

Salazar had a productive freshman season at Kansas while helping the Jayhawks to an 11-9 record and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2011. In eight conference games, the Bogota, Colombia native recorded at least one point in four matches. Her three goals and seven points were the Jayhawks’ second-best mark in league play. The midfielder was named to the NSCAA All-Central Third Team and was a Big 12 All-Newcomer Team selection as well as All-Big 12 Second Team member.