Kornieck Called Up to USWNT

CHICAGO—Colorado's all-time points leader, Taylor Kornieck, received her first call up to the U.S. Women's National Team on Monday. Kornieck was one of 23 players selected by head coach Vlatko Andonovski to represent the USA in Mexico for the 2022 Concacaf Women's Championship.

Monday's roster reveal also included three additional players who will be a part of a 26-player BioSteel Training Camp for two matches against Colombia before Mexico.

Kornieck's first chance to don the Red, White and Blue will come on Saturday, June 25, when the U.S. will be in Colorado to take on Colombia at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (5:30 PM MT on FS1). The second tune-up will be on June 28 in Sandy, Utah (8 p.m. MT on ESPN).

Kornieck compiled 102 points (39 G, 24 A) from 2016-19, averaging 1.24 points per game in her four-year career. She's second in both goals and assists and was a perfect 9-for-9 in penalty kicks. The Henderson, Nev., native's best season came in 2019 when she posted 30 points (12 G, 6 A). Kornieck also set CU's single-season assist record (10) as a junior in 2018.

"We knew Taylor had the ability to be special when we first started recruiting her," Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez stated. "She went out and proved that in her college career. We're especially pleased with how much she's producing in the NWSL which led to this call up. She has been an impact player in every game she's played. We know that she'll really shine on the international level."

The Orlando Pride selected Kornieck third overall 2020 NWSL Draft. She became Colorado's highest draft pick, in any sport, since Chauncey Billups was drafted No. 3 by the Boston Celtics in 1997. Kornieck was loaned out to MSV Duisburg for the 2020 season, before making her NWSL debut for Orlando on April 10, 2021.

Kornieck was traded to the expansion San Diego Wave FC early into 2022. She has started all nine matches for the Wave and has two goals and an assist. Kornieck joined her teammates Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma as part of May's NWSL Best XI. Both her goals came in the Wave's 2-2 draw against Portland on June 8.  

"She's more than just a tall player (look at how she uses the ball)," Wave head coach Casey Stoney said on June 8. "She's performing well, she works hard, she's taken in all the info she can, she's worthy of the NT call up, and she was outstanding tonight."

Internationally, Kornieck has also represented the U.S. at the U18, U19 and U20 levels.

Kornieck becomes CU's first USWNT call up since Nikki (Marshall) Malone in 2014. Malone was unable to play for the U.S. due to a torn ACL. When she plays, she will become the tallest field player in USWNT history at 6-foot-1.

Colorado natives Lindsey Horan, Mallory Pugh and Sophia Smith were also included on the 23-player roster. Jaelin Howell, also a Colorado native, was one of the three additional selections.  

Former Buff Joss Orejel (2014-17) was named to Mexico's 23-player roster.