Colorado University Athletics
Photo by: Grey Gibbs
Puketapu Added To New Zealand National Team To Face U.S. For Two Friendlies
September 11, 2017 | Soccer
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Colorado freshman soccer player Marty Puketapu has been named to the New Zealand National Team for its upcoming United States tour. Puketapu will be with the Ferns for two international friendlies against the U.S. on Sept. 15 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver and on Sept. 19 in Cincinnati.
"This a fantastic opportunity for Marty to train with the full New Zealand National Team and play against the USA," CU head coach Danny Sanchez said. "The bonus is that New Zealand will be training at Prentup this week, so she will be comfortable as she prepares for the match on Friday."
Puketapu earned her first national team experience in March with the Ferns when she appeared as a substitute in three matches in the Cyprus Cup. In addition to her recent national team experience, she has 26 goals in international competition with New Zealand's youth national teams from U-17, U-18 and U-20 levels.
This fall with the Buffs, Puketapu is tied for the team lead in goals (4) and points (9) and has led 25th-ranked CU to a 5-1-2 record through eight matches. She became just the second freshman in school history to record a hat trick when she scored three goals in a win over UC Riverside on Aug. 27. She also scored in the 52nd minute on Sunday night to break a scoreless tie and lift the Buffs to a 2-0 win at UTSA.
The New Zealand National Team will be training at CU's home pitch Prentup Field all week in preparation for Friday's match.
Friday's match in Denver kicks off at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.
"This a fantastic opportunity for Marty to train with the full New Zealand National Team and play against the USA," CU head coach Danny Sanchez said. "The bonus is that New Zealand will be training at Prentup this week, so she will be comfortable as she prepares for the match on Friday."
Puketapu earned her first national team experience in March with the Ferns when she appeared as a substitute in three matches in the Cyprus Cup. In addition to her recent national team experience, she has 26 goals in international competition with New Zealand's youth national teams from U-17, U-18 and U-20 levels.
This fall with the Buffs, Puketapu is tied for the team lead in goals (4) and points (9) and has led 25th-ranked CU to a 5-1-2 record through eight matches. She became just the second freshman in school history to record a hat trick when she scored three goals in a win over UC Riverside on Aug. 27. She also scored in the 52nd minute on Sunday night to break a scoreless tie and lift the Buffs to a 2-0 win at UTSA.
The New Zealand National Team will be training at CU's home pitch Prentup Field all week in preparation for Friday's match.
Friday's match in Denver kicks off at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.
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