University of North Carolina Athletics
Kennedy & Malsom Called Up To U.S. U-17 National Team
August 19, 2025 | Women's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Two North Carolina women's soccer freshmen – Riley Kennedy and Lauren Malsom – have been named to the 22-player U.S. Under-17 Women's National Team for a trip to Spain from Aug. 22-Sept. 1. The team will compete in two international friendlies against the hosts on the road to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
The matches will take place on Aug. 28 and 31 at Stadi Olímpic Camilo Cano in Alicante, Spain starting at 11 a.m. local/5 a.m. ET.
Kennedy and Malsom are no strangers to the U.S. Youth National Team.
In April, Kennedy made the roster for the Concacaf Women's U-17 Qualifiers. After a perfect 3-0 record, Kennedy and the USYNT officially qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The midfielder recorded a goal during the tournament.
Malsom recently competed with the U-17 team in the 4 Nations Tournament hosted in Mexico at the end of July. The forward and fellow teammates went unbeaten in route to claiming the 4 Nations Tournament title.
Both freshmen have played significant minutes in Carolina's opening matches this season. Kennedy has started both games for the Tar Heels logging 171 total minutes. Malsom has appeared in both matches logging a total of 99 minutes with two shot attempts.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The matches will take place on Aug. 28 and 31 at Stadi Olímpic Camilo Cano in Alicante, Spain starting at 11 a.m. local/5 a.m. ET.
Kennedy and Malsom are no strangers to the U.S. Youth National Team.
In April, Kennedy made the roster for the Concacaf Women's U-17 Qualifiers. After a perfect 3-0 record, Kennedy and the USYNT officially qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The midfielder recorded a goal during the tournament.
Malsom recently competed with the U-17 team in the 4 Nations Tournament hosted in Mexico at the end of July. The forward and fellow teammates went unbeaten in route to claiming the 4 Nations Tournament title.
Both freshmen have played significant minutes in Carolina's opening matches this season. Kennedy has started both games for the Tar Heels logging 171 total minutes. Malsom has appeared in both matches logging a total of 99 minutes with two shot attempts.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder/Forward
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