KU Soccer Trio Named to All-Region Squads

LAWRENCE, Kan. – For the first time in a decade, Kansas soccer saw two Jayhawks named to the All-Central Region First Team it was announced Wednesday by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Senior defender Caroline Van Slambrouck and junior midfielder Liana Salazar claimed spots on the first team and were joined by junior forward Ashley Williams, who was named to the third team.
 
Van Slambrouck saw her name on the Central Region’s First Team list for the first time in her successful KU career. The Kingwood, Texas native played in 78 of 80 games as a Jayhawk, including 20 of 21 matches this season as one of the Jayhawks’ central defenders. With Van Slambrouck’s help, the KU defense allowed the fewest regular-season goals (12) in the Big 12 and tallied the third-lowest goals-against average in school history at 0.80 opponent goals per game.
 
Salazar found herself on an All-Region squad for the second time after being a third-team selection in 2011. The midfielder started each of KU’s 21 matches this season, scoring a team-leading 13 goals which ranked second in the Big 12. She also dished out four assists and scored four game-winning goals.
 
Van Slambrouck and Salazar’s selections marked the second time in program history that Kansas has seen multiple players named the All-Central Region First Team.
 
Williams earned a spot on the third team for the first time after she was named to the All-Big 12 First Team in November. The Albuquerque, New Mexico product was second on the team and fourth in the Big 12 with seven goals this season, six of which came in Kansas’ final 15 games. Williams’ four game-winning goals also ranked second in the Big 12.
 
Kansas finished the 2014 season at 15-6-0 overall and third in the Big 12 with a 5-3-0 record. The Jayhawks advanced to the NCAA Tournament but fell to the Missouri Tigers in the first round match played in Lawrence.                                                                       
 
 
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