Central’s Knutson chosen for Brazil all-star soccer tour
Central College
PELLA—Central College defender Brianne Knutson (senior, Marshalltown) has been named to the Division III women’s soccer all-star team touring Brazil May 17-26 through USA Sports Tours and Events.
Knutson is one of 16 players from across the nation invited to compete on tour. Those selected were recognized as all-region or all-conference honorees in the 2010 season.
“It’s definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Knutson said. “I’m extremely excited to meet new people, represent my school and family and take in the culture while playing competitively one last time.”
A men’s all-star team will join the women as the squads travel to Orlando, Fla., for two days of orientation and practice before flying to Brazil. Three contests will take place at Jundiai, Sao Paulo, and two matches will be held in Rio de Janeiro. The all-star squads will challenge the top U-22 club teams from the area.
“The competition will be good and the games will definitely be challenging,” Knutson said.
In addition to playing, the trip will provide educational, social and cultural outreach opportunities within the communities. The squads will volunteer at local schools and visit historical sites throughout Brazil.
Saint Benedict (Minn.) coach Steve Kimble and assistant Annie Haws will lead the women’s team. Knutson is the only player, men’s or women’s, from Iowa. This is the first year a Division III all-star soccer squad has gone on tour.
Knutson was an Iowa Conference honorable mention pick and a four-year letterwinner for the Dutch. She scored four goals throughout her career and received the team’s Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2010.
“Brianne is one of the most consistent players in the program’s history,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “She’s a very hard worker, giving 100 percent all the time and never complaining.
“Brianne’s just a great example that if you stick with it hard work will pay off and good things will happen.”
