Two Toledo Soccer Players Represent Columbia at U-20 South American Championships

University of Toledo sophomore defender Angelica Hernandez and freshman midfielder Isabella Echeverri have been given one of the ultimate opportunities in college soccer as each have been chosen to represent the Columbia national team in the Under-20 South American Championships.

The two players join their fellow countrywomen in Montevideo, Uruguay where the tournament is being held and runs from January 13-31. Columbia is one of 10 countries competing in the championship, with the top two teams qualifying for the U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada from August 5-24.

The first phase of the tournament organizes the teams into two groups of five . Columbia drew Brazil, Chile, Venezuela and host Uruguay while the other group consists of Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru.

Columbia has been quite formidable as of late, sitting in second place in their group with three wins against Uruguay 3-2, Venezuela 2-0, a 1-0 win over group leaders Argentina while suffering their only loss to Chile, who occupy third place in the group.

Hernandez started 13 of 18 games this past fall while totaling six points on two goals and a pair of assists, which was the third-highest total on the team. She took 17 shots on goal and provided assists against nationally-ranked opponents Pepperdine and Indiana State.

Echerverri sat out this past fall as a redshirt freshman and will be eligible to compete this spring for the Rockets.

The pair were also national teammates on the U20 Columbian team that finished fourth at the 2012 South American Championship. Hernandez was also a member of the U20 Columbian team that placed fourth at the 2011 Pan American Games.

This is the sixth edition of the South American Championship tournament.